BASEBALL:
Top Boston Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer will not be playing for the Portland Sea Dogs for the remainder of the season due to shoulder inflammation. He has been on the injured list since August 5th. Mayer will continue his rehabilitation at the team’s complex in Fort Myers, Florida. Despite struggling after his promotion to Double-A in late May, Mayer has shown potential, hitting .189 with six home runs, 20 RBI, and a .609 OPS with the Sea Dogs. Before his promotion, he had impressive stats, hitting .290 with seven home runs and an .890 OPS in 35 games for Class A Greenville.
SOCCER:
Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of Spain’s soccer federation, of sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips without her consent following the Women’s World Cup final. The kiss took place during the awards ceremony after Spain’s victory over England on August 20th in Sydney, Australia. Rubiales claims that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso and her players’ union deny this. Hermoso also stated that she and her family were pressured by the federation to support Rubiales immediately after the scandal.
BALLON D’OR:
Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is back in contention for the prestigious award after being omitted from the nomination list last year. His longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo is not included in this year’s nomination list. Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in December, is one of the 30 nominees. The winner of the award will be announced on October 30th in Paris.
BASKETBALL:
In the World Cup, Germany will face the United States in the semifinals after defeating Latvia 81-79 in the quarterfinals. Germany is the last unbeaten team in the competition. Franz Wagner played a crucial role, scoring 16 points to help Germany secure the victory.
HOCKEY:
The Arizona Coyotes have signed General Manager Bill Armstrong to a multiyear extension as they continue their rebuilding process. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
CYCLING:
Spain’s Jesús Herrada emerged victorious in the 11th stage of the Spanish Vuelta, pulling away on an uphill climb. American rider Sepp Kuss maintained his overall lead for the fourth consecutive day. Kuss was not challenged in the mostly flat 101.5-mile ride, staying 26 seconds ahead of Marc Soler in the overall standings.
AUTO RACING:
John Hunter Nemechek will make his return to NASCAR’s Cup Series next season as he joins Legacy Motor Club, a team that will become a Toyota team and promote its development driver. Nemechek will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet, previously driven by Noah Gragson. He will be teammates with Erik Jones and co-owner Jimmie Johnson, who plans to race a limited Cup schedule.