The Tampa Bay Rays have reached a minor‑league deal with right‑hander Levi Stoudt, who will receive a non‑roster invite to spring training. The 29‑year‑old, who logged four MLB games with the 2023 Reds and most recently posted a 22⅔‑inning, zero‑earned‑run streak before a June elbow injury ended his 2026 season, throws a mid‑90s fastball (averaging 96 mph in Triple‑A) and a high‑percentage slider. The move follows the Rays’ re‑signing of right‑hander Kodi Whitley, who posted a 2.81 ERA over 32 Triple‑A innings for Durham. Both pitchers add depth to Tampa Bay’s bullpen heading into the 2027 campaign.
Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese returns to LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where she greets coach Kim Mulkey and is honored at halftime after the Tigers’ 131-22 rout of Texas Southern. Reese reflects on falling just one game short of a WNBA title, after the Dream lost Game 7 of the 2026 Finals to the Golden State Valkyries. The former LSU phenom, who led the 2023 national‑championship team over Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, celebrates her successful rookie season in Atlanta while reminiscing about her college roots.
Yankees analysts clash over whether to trade hot‑hitting first baseman Luis García Jr. to make room for veteran DH Giancarlo Stanton. García, acquired from Washington on Aug. 2, posted 30 homers, 92 RBIs and a .830 OPS in 2026, while Stanton’s calf‑injury‑marred season left him at .256 over 24 games. Podcaster Ryan Garcia warns that moving García would be “organizational malpractice,” especially as the team still needs depth after a 93‑68 record and an ALDS sweep. The club plans to evaluate Stanton in spring training, with a potential release still on the table, which could free up a roster spot for García and power‑hitter Ben Rice.
On the latest Gruden Family Football Show, former Bucs coach Jon Gruden shuts down a caller who mocked Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. Gruden defends Darnold despite the Seahawks' recent struggles – 211.1 yards per game, 60.2% completion rate, and nine interceptions, including a 1‑for‑11, 13‑yard performance against the Bears. He blames Seattle's lack of running backs, poor pass protection and questionable roster moves rather than the QB. The exchange highlights Gruden’s continued support for Darnold amid a quad injury and a looming matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander sparked controversy on Nov. 5, 2026 by reposting Islamophobic content targeting Muslim senator‑elect Abdul El‑Sayed after Democrats’ historic election gains. The posts, including a claim that Muslim lawmakers want to impose Sharia and a video denouncing Islam, were later removed but went viral, prompting the team to issue a statement that “baseball is for everyone” and disavowing Santander’s views. Santander, sidelined all season with a shoulder injury, is under a five‑year, $92.5 million contract; the Jays have a precedent of releasing players for offensive social media, as with reliever Anthony Bass in 2023.
The Philadelphia Flyers squander a 2‑1 third‑period lead and fall 3‑2 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 6, 2026. J.T. Miller opens scoring at 4:39, while Simon Benoit and Noel Acciari provide the Flyers’ rare goals. A late power‑play tally by Pavel Dorofeyev ties the game, and Tye Kartye scores the winner with 13:21 left. Goalie Joseph Woll posts 25 saves on 28 shots, but the Flyers’ defensive lapses and a winless center experiment with Cole Knuble prove costly. The loss adds to a season of blown opportunities for a team struggling to finish games.
The No. 9 LSU women’s basketball squad (2‑0) demolishes Texas Southern 131‑22 on Nov. 6, 2026, extending its season‑opening streak. LSU pounces early, posting a record‑setting margin as the Tigers dominate every facet of the game, while Texas Southern remains winless at 0‑2. Highlights include multiple double‑digit scoring runs, standout performances from LSU’s leading scorers, and a historic point differential that underscores the Tigers’ early-season firepower.
The New York Giants gear up for a pivotal showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, aiming to snap their long road drought in Philly. Tight end Isaiah Likely brings rivalry experience from Baltimore, while rookie wideout Malik Nabers, fresh off an NFC Offensive Player of the Month stretch (36 catches, 509 yards, two TDs in October), offers a deep-threat weapon. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy uses the bye week to cement chemistry with Likely and the receiving corps, aware of Vic Fangio’s defensive schemes. Defensive backs Greg Newsome II and the secondary work on cohesion under coordinator Dennard Wilson as the Giants seek to measure John Harbaugh’s evolving team against a tough division foe.
In the second quarter of the Oct. 31 game at Louisville, the Cardinals dismantle Stanford’s defense with a series of blown coverages. Wide receiver TreyShun Hurry scores a touchdown after Jabri Mack’s missed zone assignment, while Stanford’s quarterback Lincoln Kienholz evades pressure to connect on a deep pass before Jaleel Skinner’s break. Louisville’s Coach Brian Brohm’s third‑down play call shines, getting Tre Richardson open near the goal line. Defensive lapses, especially against motion, allow Stanford to capitalize, and a forced fumble by Tyler Thompson highlights the Cardinals’ aggressive pass rush.
The New York Rangers clinched a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 6, 2026. After trailing 2-1 entering the third period, a power‑play goal by Pavel Dorofeyev at 13:52 tied the game, and Tye Kartye scored the winner 1:29 later on a pass from Adam Fox. Goalies Dylan Garand (23 saves) and Joseph Woll (24 saves) combined for 47 stops. The victory marks the Rangers’ first comeback win of the season, improves them to 9-7-2, and extends their perfect 8-0 home record, while the Flyers fall to 4-10-4 in Metropolitan matchups.
Angel Reese pauses her off‑season activities to visit LSU, where she is honored before the women's basketball game against Texas Southern. Dressed in Chanel, she joins former coach Kim Mulkey—who sports metallic silver pants—for a brief ceremony, receiving a bouquet as the Tigers dominate 131‑22. The shout‑out on LSU’s X feed reads “HI BARBIE!” and celebrates Reese’s college legacy: 65‑8 record, a national title, and averages of 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds. The article also notes her recent near‑win of the WNBA Finals with the Atlanta Dream, which delivered the league’s highest ratings in 27 years.
Dodgers right‑hander Emmet Sheehan says the 2026 offseason will feel “a little different” after the team fell short of its World Series goals, losing to the Brewers in a four‑game sweep. Speaking at a field‑breaking ceremony in Altadena, Sheehan emphasized the need to focus on next year’s preparation despite the disappointment. He returns on a one‑year, $810,000 deal after a $780,000 contract in 2025, and notes his role will shift as new starter Tarik Skubal takes the rotation spot.
Pavel Dorofeyev tied it on the power play, and Tye Kartye scored 89 seconds later as the Rangers erased a third-period deficit to wrap up their homestand with a win.
The Seattle Seahawks downgrade newly acquired guard Quenton Nelson on the Thursday injury report due to a knee issue ahead of their Week 9 NFC West clash with the Arizona Cardinals. Nelson participated only briefly in Wednesday’s practice and missed Friday’s session, joining a growing list of absentees that includes quarterback Sam Darnold, left tackle Charles Cross, and defensive tackle Leonard Williams. If Nelson remains sidelined, right guard Anthony Bradford could return to his starting spot, moving rookie Grey Zabel back to left guard. Seattle, sitting 4‑4 and ranking 24th in rushing yards per attempt, hopes to boost a struggling offense as the division‑impacting game approaches.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who posted the lowest home‑run total and a .691 OPS in 2026, are eyeing two elite Japanese free agents to boost their anemic offense. Nippon Professional Baseball MVP Teruaki Sato (27) posted a .306/.383/.609 slash line with 39 homers and 106 RBIs for the Hanshin Tigers and is ranked the second‑ or third‑best free‑agent slugger available. However, a logjam at third base (Kazuma Okamoto) and left field (Anthony Santander’s $92 M contract) may block his fit. The Jays’ more realistic target is outfielder Seiya Suzuki, a 32‑year‑old who has maintained a .823 OPS and 128 OPS+ with the Cubs, delivering 29 homers and 95 RBIs per season. Both players could provide the power and protection needed for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
A.J. Hinch says the Detroit Tigers will build around Kevin McGonigle after the rookie wins the 2026 Tiger of the Year Award.
The Philadelphia Flyers (4‑10‑4) saw a late collapse at Madison Square Garden, slipping a 3‑2 loss to the New York Rangers (9‑7‑1) on Thursday. After falling behind 1‑0 early on a Gabe Perrault goal, the Flyers rallied in the second period with Simon Benoit’s equalizer and Noel Acciari’s go‑ahead tally, taking a 2‑1 lead into the third. A power‑play goal by Pavel Dorofeyev tied the game with just over six minutes left, and Tye Kartye’s subsequent marker gave the Rangers their first comeback win of the season. Both goaltenders shone, but Joseph Woll couldn’t hold the lead, and the Flyers’ extra‑attacker pull with 1:17 left failed to produce a tying goal.
Boston’s offseason hinges on keeping ace Sonny Gray. The Red Sox, plagued by late‑season hitting woes, leaned on Gray’s 18‑5 record, 2.72 ERA and 169 innings of work after Garrett Crochet’s injury. Insider Rob Bradford says the club wants Gray back but at a price, while Gray’s free‑agent status lets him test the market. If he departs, Boston must replace an old‑school contact pitcher and possibly find a new ace, though Crochet is expected healthy for next year.
Joe Milton III will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the New York Giants as the floundering Philadelphia Eagles try to end a six-game losing streak.
Levi Stoudt, the 28‑year‑old right‑hander who logged a 0.00 ERA over 22.2 innings for the Phillies’ Triple‑A and Double‑A clubs, signs a minor‑league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays just three days after entering free agency. The Rays will invite him to major‑league spring training. Stoudt, a former Cincinnati Reds reliever with a 0‑1 record and 9.58 ERA in 10.1 MLB innings, boasts a 97.8‑mph fastball, 87‑mph slider and 84‑mph sweeper, and has not allowed a run this season. The move marks his fifth organization as he approaches his 29th birthday.
Former LSU star Angel Reese, now with the Atlanta Dream, returns to her alma mater for a halftime tribute during the LSU‑Texas Southern women's basketball game. The 2023 national champion—nicknamed “Bayou Barbie”—is honored in a ceremony that celebrates her impact on LSU’s title run and her growing WNBA career.
The Eagles release their Week 9 injury report ahead of the New York Giants matchup, highlighting a slew of absences. Saquon Barkley moves to limited participation after missing Wednesday practice, still facing hamstring/back issues. Wide receiver depth shrinks as DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Britain Covey sit out, leaving only Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore available. LB Jihaad Campbell and RB Michael Carter II also miss practice, while LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. steps in. On the Giants side, leading receiver Malik Nabers and rusher Cam Skattebo are out, with Darius Alexander added to the limited list. Both teams head into the game with multiple key players on the sidelines.
The 49ers’ WR Brandon Aiyuk files for reinstatement and will report Friday, but coach Kyle Shanahan says he has no expectations for the player. A potential trade for Vikings WR Jauan Jennings collapses after Jennings says he’s happy in Minnesota. GM John Lynch hints at a fluid situation with Aiyuk and notes WRs Demarcus Robinson and KhaDarel Hodge should return, while Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel may miss Week 9. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are eyeing a second‑round pick for OLB Josh Sweat and may trade S Budda Baker before the deadline; QB Jacoby Brissett’s deal is near finalization, and RB James Conner likely sits out this week. The Rams plan a cautious return for DE Myles Garrett, and the Seahawks, reeling from a 34‑17 loss to the Bears, acknowledge failures in all three phases and vow to improve.
The Atlanta Braves are overhauling their front office for the 2027 season, bringing back former Angels GM Perry Minasian as a senior staff member alongside ex-Astros GM Dana Brown, who returns as a senior advisor to amateur scouting. Minasian, who served as the Braves’ assistant GM (2017‑2020) before a six‑year stint in Los Angeles, was dismissed by the Angels on June 26 when the club was 34‑48. His reunion with Braves president Alex Anthopoulos reunites a longtime executive trio, signaling a renewed focus on scouting and roster building ahead of next year.
Jacoby Brissett, the veteran quarterback traded from the Arizona Cardinals to the Baltimore Ravens, is slated to start in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 16. The move comes as Lamar Jackson lands on injured reserve and Tyler Huntley is out for the season, leaving the Ravens desperate for stability at QB. Insider Ian Rapoport notes Brissett will have extra days to learn the Ravens' offense and bring his experience to a 4‑4 team sitting at the bottom of the AFC North. The trade, reportedly around $5 million, finalizes tomorrow.