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 …

Tottenham open Sandro Tonali talks with Newcastle  —  Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Newcastle United over a deal for Sandro Tonali.  —  The north London club are vying with Manchester City to sign Tonali if he leaves St James' Park — but by making club-to-club contact …

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 …

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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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …