Key takeaways from Gasperini’s first press conference at Roma

The Giants have officially slotted Rafael Devers into their lineup as the designated hitter, batting third in his debut. Manager Bob Melvin shared the news ahead of Tuesday’s game, hinting that while Devers won’t be limited to DH duties forever, this role lets him ease into the team’s rhythm.

Editor’s Note: For Giants fans, this is a big deal—Devers is a powerhouse bat, and seeing him in the heart of the order signals the team’s commitment to boosting their offense. It’s also a smart move to let him acclimate before possibly shifting him to the field. Baseball nerds will be watching closely to see how this shakes up the Giants’ season.

Khaman Maluach’s journey from a Ugandan refugee camp to Duke University—and now the cusp of the NBA—is a testament to grit and the power of structured development programs like the NBA Academy. The 7-foot-2 South Sudanese center isn’t just turning heads with his athleticism and defensive skills; his backstory underscores how basketball can be a lifeline for young talent in unexpected places. With the 2025 Draft looming, his rise feels like more than just a sports story—it’s about opportunity meeting determination.

Editor’s Note: Stories like Maluach’s remind us why sports narratives resonate beyond the court. His path highlights the NBA’s global reach and the transformative potential of its development programs, especially for athletes from overlooked regions. For fans, it’s a chance to root for a player whose success would symbolize something bigger—and for teams, a potential game-changer in the making.

Cricket legend AB de Villiers is calling for an overhaul of the World Test Championship (WTC) format, suggesting it should shift to a four-year cycle instead of the current two-year setup. He argues this would level the playing field for all Test nations, especially after South Africa’s recent WTC win highlighted quirks in the points system and scheduling imbalances.

Editor’s Note: The WTC was designed to bring more meaning to Test cricket, but its structure has faced criticism—some teams play more matches, others get squeezed by scheduling clashes. De Villiers’ idea isn’t just about fairness; it’s about preserving Test cricket’s prestige. If big voices like his push for change, the ICC might actually listen.

England's Ollie Pope opens up about the daunting task of batting against India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him one of the toughest challenges in cricket. Pope shares how batters try to minimize facing Bumrah by rotating strike and avoiding back-to-back deliveries. Meanwhile, former England bowler Stuart Broad suggests Bumrah’s fitness could be the deciding factor in the series outcome.

Editor’s Note: Facing Bumrah isn’t just about skill—it’s a mental battle, and even top players like Pope admit it’s a struggle. His dominance could shape the India-England series, making his fitness and form a storyline worth watching. If he’s at his best, India’s chances skyrocket. If not, England might find an opening. Either way, Bumrah remains the X-factor.

The newly crowned CONCACAF W Champions Cup winners, Gotham FC, showed up to cheer on the New York Liberty during their final Commissioner’s Cup game against the Atlanta Dream. It was a cool moment of cross-sports solidarity, with Gotham bringing their championship vibes to Barclays Center to back their fellow New York champs.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a feel-good story about athletes supporting athletes—it’s a sign of growing camaraderie and visibility in women’s sports. When teams like Gotham FC and the Liberty lift each other up, it helps build a bigger, more connected fanbase for women’s leagues. Plus, it’s a reminder that New York’s women’s teams are winning right now.