John Smoltz talks Robot Umps & MLB’s Bold Strike Zone experiment | First Things First

The 2025 All-Star Game was one for the books—the National League clinched a big win, and Cal Raleigh stole the show by smashing his way to the Home Run Derby title. The Baseball Bar-B-Cast crew, Jake and Jordan, recapped all the highlights from Atlanta’s Truist Park, where fans got a front-row seat to some unforgettable moments.

Editor’s Note: The All-Star Game is baseball’s midseason showcase, where the sport’s biggest stars put on a show. A National League victory and a breakout Derby performance by Cal Raleigh make this a memorable year—great for fans and a boost for the league’s excitement factor heading into the second half of the season.

Scotland's rugby team has shaken things up ahead of their final tour match against Samoa, bringing five fresh faces into the lineup and tweaking one player's position. It’s a strategic move—likely to test depth or address past performance—before they wrap up their tour.

Editor’s Note: For rugby fans, this is a chance to see how Scotland adjusts its squad after earlier matches—whether it’s about rotation, injuries, or just giving newer players a shot. It’s not a seismic shift, but lineup changes always spark debate: will it pay off or backfire? Either way, it keeps things interesting before they head home.

Arsenal has locked in a promising young talent, Ethan Nwaneri, with a new contract—ending speculation about his future. The 17-year-old midfielder, whose current deal was set to expire soon, had been drawing interest from other clubs, but the Gunners moved quickly to secure his stay.

Editor’s Note: For Arsenal fans, this is a win—keeping a highly rated academy prospect signals the club's commitment to nurturing young talent. In today's competitive market, losing a player like Nwaneri for free would’ve stung. It also hints at Mikel Arteta’s long-term vision, blending youth with experience. For rival clubs? Back to the scouting board.

The Super League's scheduling has come under scrutiny because some teams are set to face each other three times this season, while others play fewer matches. The BBC digs into how these fixtures are decided, whether the system is fair, and if the imbalance actually impacts the competition.

Editor’s Note: Fairness in scheduling might seem like a niche issue, but in a tight league where every point counts, uneven fixtures could sway results—and fan trust. If some clubs get tougher runs, it could spark debates about competitive integrity. Plus, with growing attention on sports equity, leagues can't afford to ignore these details.

Manchester United are making an unexpected push to sign Brighton's left-back Pervis Estupinan this summer, with the Seagulls reportedly open to a deal. The Ecuadorian defender has caught United's eye as they look to bolster their defensive options—a move that could shake up their squad dynamics ahead of the new season.

Editor’s Note: United's interest in Estupinan signals they're still tweaking their backline, even after recent signings. For fans, it’s a sign the club isn’t done spending—but whether this is a smart move or just another scattergun approach depends on how he fits into their often shaky defense. Brighton, meanwhile, might see this as a chance to cash in on a player who’s impressed since arriving.