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As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to begin their journey in the 2024 MLB playoffs, don't expect to see Shohei Ohtani taking the mound this fall.

Back in September, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left the door open for Ohtani to toe the rubber in the playoffs. But Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes shot down that possibility on Wednesday.

Ohtani hasn't pitched in an MLB game since undergoing elbow surgery last September. He has been on a throwing program for most of the summer and worked off a mound for the first time in August.

"I just think like anything—you should always leave some margin, a crack in the door for any possibility," Roberts said in September on MLB Network Radio. "If things line up and there's a need, and the game, his body, everything is telling us that it makes sense in that situation, great. It would be storybook."

A return to the mound would be storybook, indeed, but it appears Ohtani will have to save his playoff heroics for the batter's box. He is coming off one of the best offensive seasons in baseball history as he became the first player to tally at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

Ohtani, who never made the playoffs over six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, will make his postseason debut in Game 1 of the NLDS. The Dodgers will face the winner of the ongoing best-of-three wild-card series between the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres.

Julian Nagelsmann revealed that he did not shout at his players after a lacklustre first-half performance against Luxembourg, as the manager claimed that the squad could not have handled being attacked at that point. Germany eventually clinched the tie 2-0 thanks to a brace from Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade as they continued to remain favourites to seal a direct World Cup berth from Group A.

Germany edged out Luxembourg

Four-time world champions Germany survived an unsettling evening on Friday as Nick Woltemade's brace proved decisive in a match that will raise far more questions than it answers for Nagelsmann. A 2-0 win over minnows Luxembourg was ultimately enough to keep the Germans on track in their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, but the performance itself was scattered, lethargic and lacked cohesion, particularly in the first half.

With the three points, Germany head into the final group game as favourites to book their tickets to North America next year. They are currently tied on 12 points with Slovakia, which means that Nagelsmann's side will directly qualify for the flagship competition with a win or a draw.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNagelsmann reveals half-time team talk

Nagelsmann was asked how, after such a shaky and goalless first-half, he knew what to say to bring out the best of his players in the second period. 

Speaking to reporters, the Germany head coach said: "I asked myself the same question at the end of the first half, how I should dribble up there. In the end, I do get the feeling that the team can't handle it when you go at it really hard. Honestly, we all want to be successful together. I've already engaged the players and simply demonstrated some things again, staying focused on the content. I also announced beforehand that I wouldn't raise my voice. We implemented the game better in the second half, focusing on winning through our tactics."

Nagelsmann added: "Luxembourg caused us a lot of problems, especially in the first 30 minutes. It was more difficult than you sometimes hope for. We're under pressure in the group. In the end, we have to win the games. First and foremost, we need to win games; that's crucial because it builds self-belief. We simply have to win the game on Monday, and then we can discuss everything else."

Nagelsmann spoke highly of Sane

Leroy Sane contributed with the assist for Woltemade's opening goal at the start of the second half, before setting up a perfect pass for Ridle Baku, who, in turn, fed the Newcastle star for his second goal. 

Praising Sane's performance after the match, Germany coach said: "He had two good actions that led to two goals. He had a few moments in the first half. He played a good game, had two decisive actions, and that's what it's all about in the end." 

Sane, on the other hand, told the media: "I'm happy that I was able to repay Julian's trust to some extent. We had very good talks. Julian knows how I tick. That's normal, that's football, it's part of the game. I can't complain, I can only do my own thing. The World Cup is my big goal."

Before the game the 38-year-old head coach had issued a warning to the winger as he said: "If we had six or seven players to choose from in that position, then it would be significantly more difficult for him. He knows that there aren't an unlimited number of opportunities to prove himself at the national team level. I told him that openly. Profile-wise, he has everything we need in that position. That's why he has this opportunity now. His scoring rate and performances have improved significantly compared to the beginning, both in the Super Lig and in the Champions League. But he still has steps to take to improve even further – both here and at the club."

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Getty Images SportDo-or-die game for Germany

Germany stars need to work on their shortcomings in the next couple of days as there will be no scope for mistakes in their final group game against Slovakia on November 17. It's a must-win game for European giants to book their direct berth in the World Cup next year, although a draw will also suffice. 

Chelsea are now one to watch in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who is being targeted by a whole host of Premier League clubs.

The Blues are already blessed with options in the middle of the park, with Moises Caicedo receiving high praise from Enzo Maresca for his performance in the 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Maresca said: “He’s top. We judge him inside the pitch, but I have said many times, the best thing from Moi for sure, is he’s so humble, he’s such a good guy. He’s always there to help everyone.

“For me, in this moment, him and Rodri are the two best defending midfielders in the world.”

The Ecuadorian has formed a partnership with Enzo Fernandez in the engine room, while Reece James is also capable of slotting into midfield when required, putting in a solid performance against Tottenham, which resulted in a 7.6 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest of any Chelsea player.

However, BlueCo remain keen on strengthening Maresca’s midfield options even further, having emerged as potential suitors for a Premier League star…

Chelsea one to watch in Elliot Anderson race

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now one to watch in the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, with the England international starting to attract interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United, Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on the central midfielder, with it being revealed he is now valued at the £70m mark, rather than the £120m that was previously reported.

However, with Ruben Amorim personally keen and Man United planning to step up their efforts to sign the 22-year-old in January, the Blues may have to move swiftly.

It is no surprise that interest in the Nottingham Forest star is growing, given that he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country this season.

The Englishman was particularly impressive in the Three Lions’ 5-0 victory against Serbia, completing 75 passes, the second-highest number of any player, while also winning seven duels against Manchester United on Saturday.

The former Newcastle United man, who is represented by the same agent as Liam Delap, is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, which is showcased by his performance across several key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.89 (88th percentile)

Aerials won

1.62 (83rd percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.22 (91st percentile)

Assists

0.14 (75th percentile)

Hailed as “incredible” by journalist Miles Starforth, the Whitley Bay-born midfielder clearly has the quality to succeed at Stamford Bridge, but he would arguably be an unnecessary signing, given the options Maresca already has available.

Fernandez and Caicedo have formed a solid partnership at the base of midfield, so it could be difficult for Anderson to force his way into the side, considering he also most often plays in a deeper midfield role.

Chelsea send exciting offer to Juventus star Kenan Yildiz Chelsea send 'exciting' offer to Kenan Yildiz as Maresca hatches new Cole Palmer plan

They’re already favourites for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 31, 2025

Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper strikes his highest professional score in rain-affected match

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025Tom Moores smashed a career-best 148 from 93 balls as Notts Outlaws launched their Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Essex.It is the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s highest score in senior cricket, eclipsing his first-class best of 106. He hit five sixes and 18 fours, sharing a 137-run sixth-wicket partnership with Daniel Sams (45 off 42) as the Outlaws recovered to 283 for 9, having been 41 for four inside the first hour thanks to Essex seamer Jamie Porter taking a List A career-best 4 for 29.Robin Das (46) and skipper Tom Westley (43) gave the Essex a solid start as they chased a revised target of 286 after squally showers had limited the home side to 46 overs in their innings, but from 101 for one they collapsed to 156 for 6, former Lincolnshire left-arm spinner Joe Pocklington taking 3 for 53 on his Outlaws debut, and despite an excellent unbeaten 46 from 41 balls (two sixes) from wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes, still fell for 234, seamer Rob Lord finishing with 3 for 30.After Westley won the toss and asked the home side to bat first in typical outground conditions at the John Fretwell Sports Complex, just outside Mansfield, Porter bowled his 10-over allocation in one spell to have Notts struggling.Having picked up a gift wicket when Outlaws skipper Haseeb Hameed chipped to mid-off, he found movement with the new ball to bowl Ben Slater and the 18-year-old debutant Sam Seecharan before Jack Haynes was caught behind off a thin edge.The hosts stumbled further to 74 for 5 as Lyndon James cut straight to cover, but with Porter bowled out, an Essex attack lacking Simon Harmer (on paternity leave) looked much less menacing.Moores was dropped at deep backward square on 21 off Noah Thain but responded by launching the same bowler over the same boundary for the first of his sixes in an innings that showcased his strengths square of the wicket. His first fifty came off 35 balls, his hundred from 69. His previous List A best had been 76 against Leicestershire in 2018, although this was only his 30th match in the format.Sams – available for Notts until he begins a Caribbean Premier League stint later this month – cleared the rope three times before top-edging to midwicket. Essex’s 19-year-old seamer Charlie Bennett, on his List A debut, recovered from a wobbly start to pick up the wickets of both Sams and Moores, who was eventually held at long-on.After losing Matt Critchley early, Essex looked well placed at 101 for 1 in the 16th over but after Das, who made a match-winning century for his county at Trent Bridge last summer, had miscued Lord to mid-on, Essex were never able to regain full momentum.Westley was well taken at short midwicket as Lord struck again, before 24-year-old Pocklington – handed a contract only this week after call-ups to The Hundred and Matt Montgomery’s move to Derbyshire left Notts with effectively no spinners – marked a memorable debut by bowling Luc Benkenstein, snaring Charlie Allison with a return catch and having Nick Browne caught behind off a botched reverse sweep.Lyndon James had Noah Thain and Bennett both caught at midwicket and Shane Snater caught behind as Essex – who have won just seven of 25 One-Day Cup fixtures since they reached the semi-finals in 2021 – were bowled out for 234.

Pete Alonso is back with the New York Mets after a drawn out chase in free agency. Despite his long and winding road back to the franchise, it appears the four-time MLB All-Star is in good spirits.

Alonso agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal to return to the Mets on February 12, after three months of negotiations. Midway through the chase, owner Steve Cohen said negotiations with the free agent first baseman were "exhausting," a sentiment the player did not share.

On Monday, Alonso was asked whether the negotiations ever exhausted him. He laughed and said, "No. Sorry, Steve."

It's nice everyone is friends now, but for months it didn't appear a reunion was in the cards for the two sides. Alonso hit free agency coming off a down year. In 2024 the 30-year-old slashed .240/.329/.456, putting producing the lowest OPS (.788) of his career. He hit 34 home runs and drove in 88 runs, both career lows for a full season. His 2.1 fWAR was similarly the lowest of his career outside of the shortened 2020 campaign.

Alonso will make $30 million this season and holds a $24 million player option for 2026. There is a chance he's back at the negotiation table with the Mets again next offseason.

Athletic Club players arrived in Prague for their crucial Champions League clash against Slavia, and were immediately greeted by a blanket of snow. The Basque squad turned the moment into pure comedy, launching a spontaneous snowball fight as they stepped off the plane.

Snowy welcome for the Athletic squad in Prague

Athletic Club’s arrival in Prague ahead of their Champions League group-stage meeting with Slavia Prague produced an amusing scene. After landing in the Czech capital, several players began tossing snowballs at one another before even reaching the airport terminal, turning the tarmac into a playful battleground.

The Basque players could be seen delighted as kids when they saw the first snowfall of the season. The clip circulating online shows members of the squad laughing, and pelting teammates with snowballs as they exited the aircraft steps. The light-hearted exchange came as winter weather swept across Prague and added a spirited twist to Athletic’s arrival.

The team touched down ahead of a decisive fifth Champions League group-stage fixture, with Athletic sitting 27th in the overall standings on three points, just above Slavia Prague who sit 30th with two points. Despite the cold conditions, the mood within the travelling party appeared warm and relaxed.

AdvertisementWatch the clip

Prague conditions

The snowy conditions may caught several players off guard, with some reportedly surprised to encounter winter weather this early in the season. Local reports highlighted that temperatures dipped sharply in the hours before Athletic landed, creating the crisp surface that quickly became ammunition in the players’ impromptu game. The moment reflected a welcome break in tension for Ernesto Valverde’s team, who arrive in Prague after a difficult stretch domestically.

Just days before travel, Athletic suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at a newly reopened Camp Nou, a result that intensified the pressure on a team already struggling with consistency in La Liga. The opportunity to briefly switch off, even through a snowball fight, appeared to lift morale.

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Getty Images SportAthletic and Slavia fighting for revival in Champions League

Beyond the viral moment on the runway, both teams face a crucial night in Europe. Slavia Prague are winless in the Champions League so far, sitting 30th after two draws and two defeats. Their struggles include a 3-0 home defeat to Arsenal and a goalless draw with Atalanta, despite dominating domestically with an unbeaten 16-match run and 36 points in the Czech First League.

Athletic’s European campaign has not been much better, Ernesto Valverde’s men have registered just one win, from their match against Qarabag, while losing to Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United. They have scored four and conceded nine across four games.

Domestically, the Basque side sit eighth in La Liga and have managed just one win in their last five matches. The combination of European pressure, league inconsistency, and recent setbacks makes their upcoming clash with Slavia a pivotal turning point. 

With only a point separating the two sides in the overall Champions League standings, Tuesday’s fixture at the Fortuna Arena is shaping up to be decisive, for team's revival in the championship.

Athletic will aim to harness the positive energy from their snowy arrival and translate it into a composed and effective performance on the pitch. Slavia, backed by a strong home record and high domestic confidence, will look to capitalise on Athletic’s recent struggles. A tense meeting awaits, but for a moment in Prague, the Basque players allowed themselves to enjoy the simple joy of winter.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie ran through Kings’ middle order to reduce them to 48 for 7 before Khary Pierre’s maiden fifty reduced the margin of defeat

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Sep-2025Gudakesh Motie’s four-wicket haul thwarted St Lucia Kings and propelled Guyana Amazon Warriors into the final of CPL 2025. It is their third successive title clash, having won the competition in 2023 and finishing runners-up to Kings last year.Amazon Warriors were helped to 157 thanks to a lower-order assault from Dwaine Pretorius (17 off eight balls) and Romario Shepherd (21 off eight), which helped them take 41 runs in the last four overs. That still looked a par score, at best, with Kings having to chase under lights. But a disciplined bowling show from Amazon Warriors, with just two extras conceded, and Motie’s strikes reduced the opposition to 48 for 7, almost a point of no return.Chasing 158, Kings were rocked thrice in the first three overs with Pretorius dismissing Tim Seifert and Ackeem Auguste, while Shepherd accounted for Johnson Charles. Roston Chase and Aaron Jones consolidated after that and Kings were 37 for 3 after the powerplay – not too far runs-wise from Amazon Warriors’ 45 for 1 after six overs.That is when Motie was introduced and he sliced through the batting in the middle overs. Chase’s ungainly heave across the line saw him bowled. On the next ball, Tim David played completely down the wrong line to be out for a first-ball duck. Imran Tahir then got into the act in the next over to castle Jones.

Motie magic

Two in Two for the Warriors #CPL25 #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #SLKvGAW pic.twitter.com/1IIpeSwsl3

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 18, 2025