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Category: Football

  • Phillies send down Max Lazar, call-up Nolan Hoffman ahead of José Alvarado’s eligibility to return

    Phillies Make Move: Send Down Max Lazar, Call Up Nolan Hoffman Ahead of José Alvarado’s Return

    Setting the Stage for a Bullpen Shakeup

    In a strategic and timely move ahead of José Alvarado’s eligibility to return, the Philadelphia Phillies announced they have optioned reliever Max Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and called up right-hander Nolan Hoffman, signaling a revamped bullpen as the season intensifies .

    Who’s Stepping Out—and Who’s Stepping In

    • Max Lazar, a 25-year-old right-handed reliever, drew attention earlier this season for his sharp performance, including an extra-innings save on May 24 . However, prior predictions already pegged him as the likely roster casualty once José Alvarado was ready to return .
    • Enter Nolan Hoffman, 28, acquired by the Phillies in June and sharpened with solid showings in Triple-A (3–0 record, 3.32 ERA, 1.47 WHIP in Lehigh Valley) . He received the call-up just in time to fill the gap.

    When Will Alvarado Be Back?

    Alvarado, serving an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, is eligible to return on Tuesday, August 19, just in time for the Phillies’ home series versus the Mariners .

    Why the Timing Matters

    Lazar was optioned after pitching 31 pitches in Sunday’s 11-9 win over Washington—without doing so, the bullpen would have been one arm light going into Monday night’s home opener . With Alvarado ramping up through recent relief outings in Lehigh Valley, the Phillies are preparing for a smooth bullpen integration .

    What It Means for the Team

    • Max Lazar may not return to the majors this season unless more roster openings appear. Recent projections suggest he ends the year in Triple-A unless an injury or trade opens a spot .
    • José Alvarado, known for his high-leverage presence, won’t be in the postseason but could prove invaluable down the stretch, especially supporting emerging closer Jhoan Duran .

    Quick Summary

    PlayerRoster MoveRole and Outlook
    Max LazarOptioned to Triple-AStrong midseason work, now giving way to Alvarado’s roster return
    Nolan HoffmanRecalled to MLBTrades rotation for bullpen depth; minor league performance warranted call-up
    José AlvaradoEligible Aug 19Returns from suspension to bolster high-leverage bullpen roles

    Bottom Line

    The Phillies’ decision to send down Lazar and bring up Hoffman reflects astute roster management timed to coincide with José Alvarado’s imminent return. This shuffle maintains bullpen depth while preserving roster flexibility for postseason pushes. Watch for how Alvarado and Hoffman fit into manager Rob Thomson’s plans as the season nears its exciting conclusion.

  • HOW TO WATCH Bengals at Commanders for Week 2 of the 2025 Preseason

    How to Watch Bengals at Commanders — Week 2 of the 2025 Preseason

    Game Snapshot

    Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Commanders

    Date & Time: Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET

    Venue: Northwest Stadium (Landover, MD)

    Where to Watch

    1. Television
    National TV: The game airs live on ESPN as part of Monday Night Football .
    Spanish commentary: Available on ESPN Deportes
    Local (Cincinnati): Simulcast on WLWT-TV (Channel 5)
    1. Streaming Options
    ESPN App & Watch ESPN — requires valid TV provider login
    ESPN+ — national streaming access
    NFL+ — national coverage for preseason, including out-of-market games, and replays via premium tier
    NFL Game Pass International — available to fans outside of Canada and China
    1. Radio & Audio
    Bengals Radio Network: Coverage on WCKY (1530), WEBN-FM (102.7), and WLW700, with Dan Hoard (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (analyst)
    SiriusXM: Listen via Channel 88 (game center) nationwide, or in-market through the Bengals mobile app
    1. Extra Coverage
    Bengals official platforms: Follow live updates, galleries, and stats via Bengals.com and the Bengals mobile app
    Broadcast team (ESPN): Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), with sideline reports from Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge

    Quick Reference Table

    Viewing Method Details

    TV (National) ESPN; (Spanish: ESPN Deportes)
    TV (Local – Cincinnati) WLWT-TV (Channel 5)
    Streaming ESPN App / Watch ESPN (login required), ESPN+, NFL+, NFL Game Pass Int’l
    Radio WCKY, WEBN-FM, WLW700, SiriusXM Channel 88
    Official Platforms Bengals.com, Bengals App, social media updates

    Why This Game Matters

    As one of just five nationally televised preseason games this year, this Bengals–Commanders match is a key highlight for fans .
    Expect starter action from both quarterbacks—Joe Burrow and rookie Jayden Daniels—providing valuable early-season insight .
    ESPN fans get bonus content: the “Monday Night Countdown” builds up to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET, and afterward, Rich Eisen returns to the “SportsCenter” desk—his first time back in over two decades .

    Pro Tips for Viewers

    Cord-cutters: Free-trial options often include Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and YouTube TV—great backup options to ensure you don’t miss the action .
    International fans: Use NFL Game Pass International for global access (excluding Canada/China) .
    Don’t rely solely on NFL Network—as a national broadcaster, it typically airs tape-delayed games and may black out this matchup in home markets .

    Ready? Here’s Your Game Plan:

    1. Pick your access: TV, streaming, or radio.
    2. Log in early: For streaming, ensure your device and credentials are working ahead of the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
    3. Watch the pregame: “Monday Night Countdown” starts at 7 p.m. ET—great for expert analysis and storylines.
    4. Stick around postgame: ESPN’s “SportsCenter” features Rich Eisen’s special return .

  • Bears players to watch vs. Bills Sunday night

    Bears vs. Bills: Preseason Sunday — Key Players to Watch

    1. Caleb Williams, Quarterback (Rookie Starter)
    Spotlight Moment: After sitting out the preseason opener, Williams gets his first live action under center this Sunday night at Soldier Field. Head Coach Ben Johnson confirmed starters like Williams will see the field, though likely for limited series to balance experience with workload.
    Why It Matters: As the No. 1 overall pick, all eyes are on him. Williams must prove he’s worth the hype and silence doubters about potential bust status. His Rodgers-style bootlegs and rollouts will replace the vanilla quarterbacking in Week 1, and the night game setting mirrors what the regular season opener might look like.
    1. D’Andre Swift, Running Back
    Pressure to Perform: Swift faces growing scrutiny, especially as rookie Kyle Monangai impressed in Week 1. A dominant showing here could reaffirm Swift’s place as a key offensive weapon.
    1. Braxton Jones, Offensive Tackle
    Battle for the Blindside: Jones has taken the lead in the left tackle competition. A strong outing versus a formidable Bills front could solidify his claim to the starting role.
    1. Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver
    Poised to Shine: A second-round pick who drew first-round hope, Burden has yet to fully showcase his burst and route-running after a hamstring setback and time behind others on the depth chart. This game is his chance to reintroduce himself to fans and coaches alike.
    1. Nahshon Wright, Cornerback
    Stepping Up: With injuries to key corners, Wright has seized extra reps in training camp. His size and ball skills make him a potential breakout candidate early in the season.
    1. Theo Benedet, Offensive Lineman (Undrafted)
    Rising Stock: Benedet earned first-team reps thanks to impressive camp showings, dispelling concerns around his arm length and positioning himself as a versatile asset along the line.
    1. Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver
    Ready for More: Returning from injury, Odunze turned heads during joint practices. He’s poised to take a bigger slice of the offensive pie with renewed confidence and chemistry.
    1. Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker
    A Reunion with Emotion: Facing his former team, the Bills, Edmunds brings a personal edge. Expect heightened intensity and physicality from the veteran as he looks to make a statement.

    Game Context & Stakes

    When: Sunday night, August 17, at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. EDT), Soldier Field

    Broadcast: FOX (with streaming options via FOX Sports app, NFL+); game announcers include Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, and Pam Oliver

    Setup Importance: With the roster cutdown looming on August 27, every snap matters. Coaches are looking for definitive performances to shape the final 53-man roster.

    Why This Preseason Game Feels Bigger

    Although it’s technically Week 2 of the preseason, the Bears are rolling out full-strength starters, making it feel more like a regular-season tune-up. Rookie Caleb Williams’ debut and key position battles lend significance well beyond the scoreboard.

    Summary Table: Players to Watch & What to Look For

    Player Position Storyline to Watch

    Caleb Williams QB Performance under pressure, building trust & chemistry
    D’Andre Swift RB Level of explosiveness and reinforcement of starting role
    Braxton Jones OT Silent but impactful—solidifying left tackle duties
    Luther Burden III WR Showcase first-round potential, depth chart movement
    Rome Odunze WR Take advantage, assert offensive role
    Nahshon Wright CB Utilize recent reps, seize opportunity in defense
    Theo Benedet OL Versatile reliability, value as UDFA lineup depth
    Tremaine Edmunds LB Emotional intensity, disruption vs former team

  • América vs Toluca: Todo lo que debes saber del Campeón de Campeones

    Aquí tienes un artículo completo y detallado sobre el duelo América vs Toluca: Campeón de Campeones 2025:

    🏆 Qué es el Campeón de Campeones

    Desde 1942, la Liga MX ha celebrado el Campeón de Campeones, un duelo anual que enfrenta al campeón del Apertura contra el del Clausura . Desde 2015, el formato se ha consolidado y el partido se disputa en EE. UU. como evento único . El ganador también se clasifica a la Campeones Cup, para medirse con el campeón de la MLS .

    Antecedentes: por qué América y Toluca

    América se coronó campeón del Apertura 2024, manteniéndose como vigente Campeón de Campeones tras ganar la edición 2024 .

    Toluca, bajo Antonio “Turco” Mohamed, conquistó el Clausura 2025 tras derrotar a América en la final (2-0 global), terminando con una sequía de 15 años .

    Esto convierte al partido en una revancha directa por el título absoluto de la temporada.

    Cuándo y dónde: datos clave

    📅 Fecha: Domingo 20 de julio de 2025

    🕢 Hora: 19:15 CDMX / 21:15 ET / 18:15 PT

    🏟️ Escenario: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson (Los Ángeles), EE. UU. Se ha elegido este estadio neutral por séptima vez consecutiva .

    Historial y rivalidad

    Ambos equipos se han enfrentado al menos 83 veces en todas las competiciones, con 29 victorias de América, 32 de Toluca y 22 empates .

    Su último choque fue en la final del Clausura 2025, con victoria de Toluca (2‑0) en el global .

    En el Campeón de Campeones ya se habían enfrentado en la final de la edición 1988‑89, con triunfo de América (2‑1 en tiempo extra) .

    Forma reciente de los equipos

    América

    Viene de un histórico Tricampeonato tras ganar la final del Apertura 2024 .

    En el Apertura 2025, inició con una goleada 3‑1 sobre Tijuana y empató 1‑1 con Juárez .

    Toluca

    Ganador del Clausura 2025, con remontadas ante Monterrey, Tigres y América .

    Arrancó el Apertura 2025 con victoria 3‑1 contra Necaxa y 4‑2 sobre Santos Laguna .

    Alineaciones probables

    Según medios como ESPN y MyKhel, se perfilan así:

    América (4‑2‑3‑1)
    Portero: Malagón / Cota
    Defensas: Álvarez, Cáceres, Lichnovsky, Borja
    Mediocampo: Cervantes, Sánchez – Zendejas, Fidalgo, Rodríguez
    Delantero: Aguirre

    Toluca (4‑2‑3‑1)
    Portero: Luis García
    Defensas: Barbosa, Pereira, Méndez, Luan García
    Mediocampo: Ruiz, Baeza – Meneses, Vega, Gallardo
    Delantero: Paulinho / Morales

    Qué esperar tácticamente

    Jardine (América) buscará imponer el juego de toque y reactivar su potente ofensiva.

    Mohamed (Toluca) apuesta por una estructura sólida, contragolpe y presión por las bandas.

    Se anticipa un duelo de media cancha, con importancia para Cervantes vs Ruiz/Baeza.

    La portería de Toluca sin Pau López (ya se despidió del club) será vigilada de cerca .

    Resultados en vivo y dónde verlo

    📺 México: Canal 5, TUDN; streaming en ViX Premium

    Estados Unidos: Univision, TUDN y ViX

    También disponible en Canadá y Brasil vía ViX y FuboTV/ViX .

    Minuto a minuto y goles

    El partido comenzó con gol rápido tempranero de América por Zendejas al minuto 1 .

    Toluca respondió con golazo de Franco Romero al minuto 12 .

    Finalmente Toluca se impuso 3‑1: incluye gol de Bruno Méndez y uno de Paulinho confirmado tras revisión de VAR .

    Los highlights en video (YouTube) muestran el gol anulado de América, el empate de Romero y la jugada del tercer gol Toluca .

    Significado del título

    1. Toluca suma su 5.º título de Campeón de Campeones, lo que lo posiciona entre los clubes más ganadores: América y Chivas tienen 7 cada uno, Atlas y León 5 y Toluca 5 .
    2. Refuerza el estilo compacto y equilibrado de Mohamed como entrenador.
    3. América, con 7 trofeos ya, sigue compartiendo el liderato histórico.
    4. Toluca se gana un lugar en la Campeones Cup 2025 ante LA Galaxy .

    Conclusión

    El Campeón de Campeones 2025 dejó claro que Toluca no solo fue capaz de frenar el tetracampeonato de América, sino que consolidó una imponente racha: Clausura 2025 + Campeón de Campeones, gracias a la efectividad y disciplina táctica de Mohamed y un equipo cohesionado.

    Por su parte, América deberá revisar ajustes defensivos y la contundencia ofensiva para convertirse en ese equipo hegemónico que fue en 2024. Sin embargo, la rivalidad sigue abierta y promete capítulos emocionantes en el siguiente semestre.