What I'm hearing about Giannis Antetokounmpo, other NBA players as draft nears  —  Deadlines tend to inspire behavior change.  —  Whether it's the end of the shot clock or the final seconds of a game, we've seen countless on-court examples of how that time element sparks something …

MLB Seeks Sweeping Draft Overhaul, Including End Of High School Eligibility  —  As part of the MLB and MLBPA's collective bargaining negotiations, Major League Baseball proposed on Thursday the elimination of high school draftee eligibility as part of a broader framework to significantly rework the amateur player acquisition system.

Tarik Skubal issues call to arms that it's put-up or shut-up time for Tigers  —  Detroit — If Tarik Skubal had his way, he would be wearing the Old English D into October this season.  —  But so much of that, as a pending free agent, is out of his control, especially as the Tigers continue …

MLB Home Run Derby to ditch clock, revive swing-based system: Sources  —  In one area of baseball, the clock is dead.  —  Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby will put a new twist on an old format next month.  Hitters will have a number of swings rather than a clock that dictate their turns at the plate …

Protesting Giants say they were not pressured to wear Pride hats, weren't discriminated against  —  The four San Francisco Giants who declined to wear Pride Night hats last week say they were not discriminated against, and planned their protest for weeks.  —  MIAMI — Friday marked …

Transactions  —  Chicago Cubs recalled CF Justin Dean from Iowa Cubs.  —  Chicago Cubs optioned DH Moisés Ballesteros to Iowa Cubs.  —  Chicago Cubs sent LHP Doug Nikhazy outright to Iowa Cubs.  —  Chicago Cubs placed RHP Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list.  Right elbow inflammation.

Greene K's 6 through 4 innings in 1st rehab outing with ACL Reds  —  Chase Burns has been tremendous for the Reds in his second Major League season — his 2.01 ERA through 14 starts is fourth among qualified starters, and his performance has provided a huge lift to Cincinnati's starting rotation in the absence of ace Hunter Greene.

Justin Verlander uncertain in return: No reason to ‘delay any further’  —  HOUSTON - Right-hander Justin Verlander hasn't pitched for the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park since Aug. 20, 2017.  —  It has been nearly nine years.  —  The 3,227-day drought will end when Verlander throws his first pitch Sunday …

Less than halfway through the season and it's clear the Red Sox should raise the white flag on 2026  —  The Red Sox are not salvageable this season.  And they had better not jeopardize next season by pretending otherwise in a manipulative attempt to keep Fenway Park as full as possible for as long as possible.

Will there be a lockout after this MLB season?  The majority of players we polled say yes  —  It's the question on everyone's mind heading into the MLB offseason.  Is a lockout coming?  —  In the first segment of our annual MLB player poll, we here at The Athletic asked players across 23 teams …

York Revolution Club Statement  —  York, Pa.): It is with great disappointment and that the York Revolution have issued important changes to our 11th Annual Pride Night on Thursday, June 18th.  Most significantly, the scheduled game between York and Southern Maryland will not be played …

Why Royals starter Luinder Avila showed promise in series-ending win at Nationals  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Luinder Avila pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowed one run and struck out five.  — Avila's slider registered 18 swings and seven whiffs and was thrown 30 times.

Freddie Freeman's two-run home run helps Dodgers complete sweep of Rays  — 5 min Click here to listen to this article  — Freddie Freeman crushed a go-ahead, two-run homer over Cedric Mullins' outstretched glove, lifting the Dodgers to a 5-4 win and a three-game sweep of the Rays.

Phillies pause Andrew Painter's disappointing season, option struggling starter to Triple A  —  PHILADELPHIA — When Andrew Painter, his eight teammates sharing the field and the 37,000-plus fans watching wanted nothing more than a nightmare second inning to end, Xavier Edwards would not stop fouling off pitches.