What I'm hearing: Dodgers deadline plans, Blake Snell's return, Shohei's status  —  NEW YORK — Freddie Freeman couldn't help himself when asked by a reporter about the pending returns of Blake Snell, Edwin Díaz and Kiké Hernández, who could soon come off the injured list.

One bold prediction for each team ahead of the MLB trade deadline  —  To be bold is to be brave, and The Athletic's staff endeavored to do just that, singling out one potential outcome for each of Major League Baseball's 30 clubs ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.  Perhaps some of these will come true.

With Deadline rapidly approaching, Pirates stay on course to be buyers  —  PITTSBURGH — The final week of July can often decide whether teams identify themselves as buyers or sellers at the Trade Deadline.  At times, the pressure can mount, building a losing streak.

Freddy Peralta, Luis Arraez, and others most likely to be moved at the MLB Trade Deadline  —  The MLB Trade Deadline is officially one week away.  We already have one impact trade under our belts, and rumors are swirling around plenty of players across the league, so we asked …

Stephen Curry on missing out on LeBron James and the Warriors' uncertain future  —  NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Steph Curry wanted LeBron James to come to the Warriors.  He thought Golden State had a chance.  His reaction to finding out his fellow all-time great chose the Philadelphia 76ers?

Reds, Guardians game at Great American Ball Park delayed for weather  —  About an hour prior to the scheduled 7:10 p.m. first pitch between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park, Reds officials announced the game would begin in a rain delay.

LeBron James Turns 76ers Into National TV Fixture  —  NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was waiting for LeBron James to pick his next team so his league could formally set its schedule.  Now that the 41-year-old James has signed with the 76ers, TV viewers should expect to see a lot of Philadelphia games this season.

Sources: Athletics' Shea Langeliers has torn meniscus  —  Athletics All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers could miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee, sources told ESPN, another blow to a team already ravaged by injuries.

Squirrel steals show at Tigers-Orioles' game: ‘I have freedom on my mind’  —  Detroit Tigers' fans didn't have too much to cheer about early on at Comerica Park on Monday.  —  The Tigers were trailing 3-0 in the second inning in the opener against the Baltimore Orioles and were down 8-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Chelsea exploring Danny Welbeck move  —  Chelsea are exploring a move to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion.  —  The 35-year-old striker has 12 months left on his contract and Brighton are aware of the interest.  —  As a player and a leader, Welbeck appeals to Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso …