4 standout WNBA rookies weren’t even drafted — but they’re still thriving

The opening game of the three-game series between the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals, scheduled for Friday night, has been postponed due to weather and will be rescheduled as part of a split doubleheader on Saturday. Tanner Bibee and Kris Bubic are set to pitch the afternoon game, while Joey Cantillo faces Noah Cameron in the nightcap, with the Guardians looking to extend their recent success after winning seven of their last nine games....

All-Star Kyle Stowers hit his 23rd homer, and Otto Lopez's tiebreaking double led the Miami Marlins to a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Jackson Chourio extended his hitting streak to 18 games with his 17th homer, while Christian Yelich's ninth-inning walk tied his career-high on-base streak at 30 games. Want More Context? 🔎

The San Francisco 49ers are witnessing an intense kicking competition between incumbent Jake Moody and new acquisition Greg Joseph during training camp, drawing attention from star players like Nick Bosa. Moody, recovering from a challenging second season, has modified his kicking approach for consistency, while both kickers faced a rough patch recently, highlighting the pressure introduced by new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. Want More Context? 🔎

The WNBA playoffs, starting September 14, will feature a best-of-three series format, with notable matchups including the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx facing the Washington Mystics, and the New York Liberty squaring off against the Las Vegas Aces. Other key matchups include the Phoenix Mercury vs. Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream, promising competitive action among the league's top teams. Want More Context? 🔎

South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins, a pivotal player on the 2024 national championship team, will sit out the upcoming season to focus on her well-being. After struggling with injuries and legal issues last year, she announced her decision on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support she's received and her commitment to returning for the 2026-27 season. Want More Context? 🔎

South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins has announced she will take a year off and not play during the 2025-26 season, focusing on personal growth after a challenging year, including an ACL injury. Coach Dawn Staley emphasized the program's support for Watkins as she works on her recovery, with plans for her to return in the 2026-27 season. Want More Context? 🔎