Javier Baez did not like this called third strike from home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi.
During Monday's Memorial Day showdown between the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants, Baez was called out on strikes during the fifth inning on a call he vehemently disagreed with.
Baez began arguing the call with Cuzzi, and it didn't take long for the umpire to eject him from the game. After getting tossed, Baez was fuming, and he could be seen getting held back by a teammate and a coach while he attempted to continue giving Cuzzi a piece of his mind.
Have a look at the chaotic sequence of events:
Baez has every right to be mad about that call. The pitch from Hayden Birdsong was well below the plate, but some decent frame work from catcher Patrick Bailey seems to have left Cuzzi convinced that the curveball caught the corner of the zone.
Baez went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in Monday's game before his ejection. He was replaced in center field by Matt Vierling. The Tigers went on to win the game, 3–1.
Sunderland are believed to have contacted Real Madrid over the potential signing of one Spanish ace, as they look to seal an audacious piece of business.
It has been a dream start to life back in the Premier League for the Black Cats, with Regis Le Bris defying all expectations and silencing those who predicted them to be relegated straight back to the Championship this season.
New signings have excelled for Sunderland, helping them sit fourth in the table, but Le Bris will know that his side cannot afford to rest on their laurels, potentially even eyeing further new additions in the January transfer window.
They have been linked with plenty of players of late, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez emerging as a stunning option, in a possible transfer record move to the Stadium of Light. Talks are believed to have opened regarding a mammoth £70m transfer.
It looks as though Lopez isn’t the only big-name target for Sunderland in La Liga, however, with another hugely gifted Spanish player now being mentioned as a target, too.
Sunderland make contact over Gonzalo Garcia signing
According to a report from Spain, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Gonzalo Garcia from Madrid, having made contact with the Spanish giants over a move to the Stadium of Light.
Fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Wolves are also mentioned in the update, with all three clubs willing to offer £17.6m for his services.
The fact that Garcia is a rumoured target for Sunderland sums up the incredible strides they have made under Le Bris, with the idea of signing a Real Madrid player unthinkable in the past.
The Black Cats are a genuinely enticing project currently, though, and the 21-year-old may well love the idea of a move there, having only managed one league start this season.
Garcia has scored five goals for Madrid, though, which is no mean feat in a team littered with world-class players, and scout Jacek Kulig has called him “incredible” in the recent past.
He has also represented Spain across three age groups, including the Under-21s, so there is so much for Sunderland to admire about him, not least the fact that most of his career is still ahead of him.
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Garcia’s versatility could also appeal to Le Bris, with the Spaniard a centre forward by trade, but also capable of excelling on either the left or right flank.
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Tottenham Hotspur produced one of their best performances of the 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday night when they smashed Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League.
Thomas Frank’s side strolled to a comfortable victory in North London, despite Brennan Johnson’s second-half red card, and could have had a fifth when Richarlison missed a penalty late on.
The pick of the goals on the night was, undoubtably, the unbelievable solo run from central defender Micky van de Ven, which will
surely be in contention for the Goal of the Season award next year.
In terms of performances, Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons will be pleased with his personal contribution after an impressive outing.
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The £52m summer signing from RB Leipzig ended a run of 11 matches without a goal contribution in all competitions for Spurs with his assist for Johnson’s opening goal.
Xavi played a brilliant pass through to the Wales international, which allowed him to slot into an empty net after rounding the goalkeeper, and that was his second assist of the season.
The Netherlands international created three ‘big chances’ for the team in total, per Sofascore, and was the first Spurs player to create three chances in a Champions League half since the 2016/17 campaign.
Xavi, now, needs to use this impressive performance as a platform to kick on and provide consistency on a regular basis for the Lilywhites.
The Dutchman was not the only star player who could use Tuesday night’s match as a platform, though, as Wilson Odobert had his best night for the club.
Why Copenhagen was Wilson Odobert's best performance for Spurs
Since his move to Spurs from Burnley in the summer of 2024, Odobert has only managed two goals and no assists in the Premier League and the Champions League, with the second of those two goals coming against Copenhagen.
The French winger, who earned the same player rating (8/10) as Xavi from GOAL, remained incredibly composed to finish his chance, as shown in the clip above, when it would have been easy to snatch at it or try to smash it towards goal.
On top of scoring, the former Burnley man also completed three dribbles and created one chance, per Sofascore, which speaks to how direct and effective he was with the ball at his feet.
The Athletic’s Jay Harris suggested it was his “best performance in a Spurs shirt”, and that is hard to argue with, when compared to the only other game in the Premier League or Champions League that he has contributed to a goal in.
Wilson Odobert
Vs West Ham (04/05/25)
Vs Copenhagen (04/11/25)
Minutes
90
80
xG
0.47
0.21
Goals
1
1
Pass accuracy
70%
88%
Key passes
0
1
Dribbles completed
1/1
3/6
Duels won
2/6
6/9
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Odobert was better in duels, as a dribbler, as a creator, and as a passer against Copenhagen than he was against West Ham when he scored his first league goal for the club.
These statistics suggest that the French sensation, who was as effective as Xavi on Tuesday night, did play his best match for the Lilywhites against the Danish outfit.
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Like the Dutchman, Odobert should look to use this performance as a platform to build from for the rest of the season to kick on and become a star for Tottenham.
There might still be plenty of the season to go, but West Ham United look like they are in real trouble.
Nuno Espírito Santo was able to get something of a new manager bounce away to Everton, but since then, the team have lost to Arsenal and Brentford and remain in the Premier League relegation zone.
Moreover, while the former is understandable, the performance at home against the Bees was hugely worrying.
Therefore, to ensure the club can arrest their terrible form against Leeds United, Nuno needs to make a number of changes to the team, such as dropping Tomáš Souček.
The changes Nuno needs to make at West Ham
Starting at the back, Nuno needs to replace Kyle Walker-Peters and Oliver Scarles with Aarron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The former would offer more protection on the right-hand side, and the latter would add far more explosiveness and ingenuity to the left.
For example, the former Slavia Prague gem already has three league assists to his name in eight games, and the equalising goal against Everton came about because of his brilliant crossing.
There needs to be dramatic changes up top as well, with Lucas Paqueta moving back into the ten position and Callum Wilson starting up top.
The Brazilian was utterly anonymous in the false nine, and while he’s not been in brilliant form this season, he’s still one of the Hammers’ most creative players and therefore has to be somewhere he’ll see more of the ball.
Moreover, with the former Lyon star in the middle, Nuno can move Crysencio Summerville back out to the left.
This should have a significant impact on the side, as while the Flying Dutchman lacks somewhat in terms of actual output, he is an incredibly direct and tricky winger who can move opposition defenders around.
Additionally, with Diouf behind him, the left-hand side could be a seriously productive area of the pitch for the East Londoners.
Finally, Andy Irving has to be dropped in favour of the far more mobile, exciting and technically complete Soungoutou Magassa.
The young Frenchman still has a lot to learn at this level, but unlike the Scotsman, he’s blessed with “pure athleticism” and can “spray passes wide out to the wings” according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson.
With that said, there is one more change Nuno should make to the team – a change that would see him drop Souček.
The West Ham star who should start ahead of Souček
Now, it should be said that while he should be dropped from the starting lineup for the game against Leeds, there is certainly still a space in the squad for Soucek.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
After all, the Czech international is someone you can trust to give his all for the team whenever he’s on the pitch.
However, as was abundantly clear against Brentford, that isn’t enough to be starting anymore, as his dire lack of athleticism is a problem, as is his less-than-impressive passing range.
Therefore, if Nuno wants to help start a new, more exciting and progressive chapter at the club, he should look to start academy gem Freddie Potts alongside Magassa.
It would certainly be a young and relatively inexperienced pairing, but even then, it would be better than what fans have seen so far this season.
For example, Mattinson has described the academy product as a promising midfielder who is “so smooth on the half-turn and composed under pressure.”
On top of that, he is also someone who can get the ball up the pitch quickly for his side, thanks to his impressive “passing range and powerful carrying.”
Finally, while he does lack top-flight experience, the Barking-born ace did incredibly well on loan in the Championship with Portsmouth last season.
He ended up making 38 appearances for the side, of which 36 were starts, scoring one goal, providing four assists, and helping keep the club in the second tier.
Potts’ 24/25
Appearances
38
Starts
36
Minutes
3108′
Goals
1
Assists
4
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Ultimately, it would be bold, but given how poorly West Ham are performing, Nuno needs to be bold, and therefore, he should start Potts against Leeds.
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Aston Villa have now overtaken Liverpool in the race to sign an “outstanding” new defender, with Newcastle United also keen.
Villa still keen on new additions amid uptick in form
Villa endured a slow start to the Premier League season, with the 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace likely to be considered a low point, but they have really managed to turn things around over the past few weeks.
Indeed, the Villans have now won five matches on the spin in all competitions, most recently defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on the road, courtesy of a first-half stunner from Morgan Rogers, which was followed up by a winner from Emi Buenda with a little under 15 minutes remaining.
Unai Emery will be very pleased about the recent uptick in form, which has seen his side rise to 11th in the Premier League table, but the manager clearly still feels a fresh injection of quality is needed, with a new centre-back of interest.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Aston Villa have now overtaken Liverpool in the race for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, given that Arne Slot’s side have recently decided to cool their interest.
Alongside Villa, Newcastle are also credited with a strong interest in the defender, but the Premier League sides may need to shell out a relatively high fee to get a deal over the line, with it being revealed he could command a fee of around €50m (£43m).
Both English sides should be well-positioned to get a deal done, however, with it previously being revealed that Ordonez is keen on a move to the Premier League.
"Outstanding" Ordonez could excel at Villa Park
Lauded as an “outstanding young footballer” by journalist Graeme Bailey, the Ecuadorian is a key player for Club Brugge, having made ten appearances in all competitions this season, during which time he has put in some eye-catching performances.
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One of the 21-year-old’s best displays actually came in the Champions League, which is an encouraging sign, with the youngster making a number of important defensive contributions to keep AS Monaco at bay and help his side secure a comfortable 4-1 win last month.
Statistic
Number completed
Duels (won)
6 (5)
Clearances
4
Tackles
3
Scout Ben Mattinson has hailed the Brugge star for his ability in possession too, describing him “secure on the ball”, while also adding he “anticipates well” and “has the pace to recover”.
Villa’s defence has not been a major problem this season, having shipped just eight goals in eight Premier League games, but there are plenty of signs that Ordonez could be a solid long-term addition to Emery’s backline.
A shock battle is brewing at Borussia Dortmund, as €22.5 million signing Fabio Silva aims to usurp star striker Serhou Guirassy in the starting XI. Nico Kovac has praised the ex-Wolves man as "accurate and clean" after his goal in the Champions League in midweek while Guirassy struggles with a thigh injury and a dip in form. With Silva pushing for a start against Koln, it comes as Guirassy's release clause puts Barcelona on alert.
Kovac praises 'clean and accurate' Silva
Guirassy is facing an unexpected challenge for his starting place from new signing Silva, according to a report from . While Guirassy battles a persistent injury and a rare goal drought, the €22.5m (£19m/$26m) summer acquisition has earned high praise from manager Kovac for his impressive substitute appearances.
The 29-year-old Guirassy, who has been nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year, is reportedly in danger of being benched for the first time this season for Dortmund's upcoming Bundesliga match against Koln.
Kovac has been deeply impressed by Silva, 23, who has brought a new dynamic in his five substitute appearances, culminating in his first goal for the club during the 4-2 Champions League victory in Copenhagen on Tuesday.
notes Silva is seen as the "exact opposite" of the struggling Guirassy, describing the Portuguese as "lively, hard-working, and technically strong." Kovac's praise highlighted Silva's tactical suitability and ball retention.
"He's been very diligent in training," Kovac said. "Very accurate, very clean in his execution, very team-oriented. Fabio is coming in more and more. I'm trying to give him more and more minutes because he deserves them."
AdvertisementIMAGO / HMB-MediaGuirassy struggling with persistent thigh injury
Silva's emergence coincides with a difficult period for Guirassy. The Guinea international has scored just once in his last six matches across all competitions, a significant drought for a player of his calibre. According to , the slump is not merely tactical but physical. Guirassy is reportedly struggling with persistent thigh problems that have hampered him for weeks, an issue that flared up just before the recent international break.
This injury is visibly affecting his performance, with reports noting he "can barely control the ball and appears insecure." This is a sharp downturn for the striker, who started the 2025-26 campaign in strong form with four goals in six Bundesliga appearances, on top of goals in the DFB Cup and Champions League. It pales in comparison to his explosive 2024-25 season, where he hit 21 top-tier goals and finished as joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals.
Kovac backs 'insurance policy' Guirassy despite form
Despite the internal pressure from Silva and Guirassy's physical struggles, Kovac recently offered his star striker a public vote of confidence. Speaking to , Kovac dismissed concerns over the temporary drought and insisted the 29-year-old remains central to his plans.
"For me, Serhou is very, very important. He remains our insurance policy because he is a key part of this team," Kovac stated. The manager attributed the slump to increased defensive attention following his prolific scoring. "They are clearly trying to take our top striker out of the game. That’s why it’s not so easy for him. But I know that in the coming weeks, he will again give us what we need: his goals."
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Guirassy’s contract situation attracts Barcelona
The competition for the starting role comes amid fresh speculation over Guirassy's long-term future. According to Sky Germany, the striker's contract, which runs until 2028, contains a release clause that progressively decreases. After a clause valued around €75m (£65m/$87m) went un-triggered last summer, a new, lower figure will reportedly become active in 2S026.
This has reportedly put clubs like Barcelona on high alert as they seek long-term striking options. Guirassy's record justifies the interest, with the forward scoring 44 goals in all competitions. In that period, only Harry Kane, with 59, Kylian Mbappe (58), Erling Haaland (46) and Robert Lewandowski (46) have scored more across Europe's top five leagues.
Surrey 390 for 3 (Lawrence 117*, Pope 103, Sibley 82) trail Sussex 435 (Haines 174, Alsop 63, Atkinson 4-120) by 45 runsDan Lawrence and Ollie Pope both made attacking hundreds before bad light halted Surrey’s rapid progress on day three against Sussex at Hove.When the players came off ten minutes after tea Surrey were 390 for three, only 45 runs behind with Lawrence unbeaten on 117 after Pope had made his first Championship century for two years.The loss of 36 overs could be crucial to Surrey’s hopes of making it an awkward final day for Sussex by going past their first innings’ 435.After Pope scored 102 Lawrence made the most of a reprieve on 35, when he was badly dropped by sub fielder George Thomas. He hit six sixes in his first hundred of the season, off 92 balls, including two in an over when Ollie Robinson opted to bowl short to a packed leg side field.Sussex should still be able to save the game on a surface which has offered little assistance for seam or spin, but after drawing and winning their first two games since promotion, this was a reminder that Division One cricket represents a big step up.Curiously, it was Pope’s first County Championship century away from The Oval since his maiden effort at Southampton eight years ago. The 27-year-old had a lean time in the competition between England matches last season when his top score in ten innings was 63. But he made 65 against Hampshire last week and carried on here in ideal batting conditions.He ruthlessly punished any indiscretions in length and scored on both sides of the wicket. There were 11 boundaries and he also lofted James Coles’ left-arm spin over mid-wicket – although Jayden Seales running around the boundary nearly took what would have been a stunning catch. Pope’s 22nd first-class century was his first in the Championship for more than two years, but frustratingly he was dismissed two balls after getting there when he gloved a short ball from the persevering Seales, who was the pick of Sussex’s attack.During the morning session Pope and Dom Sibley took their second-wicket stand to 179 in 42 overs. Sibley was cruising towards his third successive hundred when he chipped up a tame return catch to slow left-armer James Coles, having earlier hit him over long-off for six and ten boundaries. Both batters will have departed feeling they had left runs out there.Lawrence was soon into his stride, although Thomas will have nightmares about the straightforward catch he dropped at backward square leg off a disconsolate Robinson. The 27-year-old certainly made the most of his reprieve. Five of his sixes were hit into the leg side but the other, a sumptuous straight drive off Coles, was probably the best of them.At the other end Ben Foakes was happy to play a supporting role, although he did swing Coles over the boundary on one knee.Lawrence reached his 18th first-class hundred with a somewhat streaky thick edge over the slips off Robinson for his eighth boundary as Surrey scored 162 between lunch and tea in 29 overs. But just two more were possible in the evening session and with Danny Lamb out of the attack after injuring his shoulder on Saturday, Sussex were probably glad of the opportunity to regroup and come back tomorrow with a new ball only six overs old.
The GT keeper put down a simple chance off Phil Salt in the first over of the game
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-20251:17
Chopra: Buttler, a different beast in run-chases
Sometimes it’s good to be bad. Jos Buttler put down a simple chance off Phil Salt in the very first over of the game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans and that spurred him on to be better with the bat. Considering he was already averaging 94.66 against these opponents since IPL 2022, the extra motivation was likely to produce something special. And it did – a match-winning, unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, not to mention the return of a smile that he seemed to have lost captaining England in white-ball cricket over the last few years.”I thought the bowlers did a fantastic job,” Buttler said after GT restricted RCB to 169. “We probably, if we fielded it a bit better, myself, looking at myself very much so, then we would have been chasing a few less.Related
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“I was pretty embarrassed, especially with [dropping] Salty. He’s a dangerous player. So the only thing I can think of, I was trying to throw it up to earlier, a bit like Herschelle Gibbs style [who dropped Steve Waugh in that fashion during the 1999 World Cup] but I didn’t even… I barely got a glove on it, it hit me in the chest. But due to that embarrassment, I was pretty determined to try and score some runs.”Buttler’s previous six innings against RCB, going backwards, had read 100*, 0, 0, 106*, 8, 70*. It was this version of him that walked out to bat on Wednesday night to crash five fours and six sixes. Not the one that relinquished the England captaincy after a dismal run at the Champions Trophy.”I was trying to play with lots of freedom, lots of intent,” he said. “I had a few months of pretty unenjoyable cricket, so trying to make sure I’m out there giving my best, and obviously a new team, new franchise, and excited to be here.”Buttler was signed by GT in the IPL auction in November for INR 15.75 crore, and although he is playing a different role here, at No. 3, to the one at Rajasthan Royals, where he had had a highly successful spell opening the batting, it seems to be working. He is the third-highest run-getter so far this season with a tally of 166 at a strike rate of 172.91.GT are fourth on the IPL 2025 points table with two wins from three games and head to Hyderabad next to play Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6.
Manchester United are now considering a move for a “sensational” midfielder who is also being chased by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, having pulled out of the race for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd eyeing midfielder after EFL Cup disaster
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, there have been some difficult moments for Man United, but being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town is without doubt a low point, with the League Two side progressing after winning on penalties.
In Ruben Amorim’s post-match interview, the manager made it clear that the best side won on the night, despite an improved second-half performance, with Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire leading the fightback.
With Andre Onana making yet another error leading to a goal, following on from a key mistake from Altay Bayindir on the opening day against Arsenal, bringing in a new goalkeeper should undoubtedly be one of United’s key objectives in the final days of the transfer window.
However, Amorim has also been keen to bring in a new central midfielder throughout the summer, with Baleba previously emerging as a major target, before the interest was ended, in light of Brighton’s high asking price.
Now, Man United are in the race for another midfielder, according to a report from The Boot Room, which states they are considering a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, after deciding against pursuing Baleba.
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A number of Premier League clubs are in the race for Gallagher, with Crystal Palace believed to be keen admirers, and it has been widely reported that Oliver Glasner’s side have already made contact, as have Newcastle United.
Newcastle were said to be leading the race for the midfielder earlier this summer, with Howe well-known to have wanted him for years, but there are indications that United could now be willing to hijack the move.
"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid signing for Man Utd
In truth, the 25-year-old, who Atletico paid £33m for last summer, wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he has impressed Diego Simeone since arriving in Spain, with the manager saying: “He is a hard-working player who has quality and a good ability to arrive in the area from deep and who never fails to give everything in every ball.”
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
There are also indications the Atletico maestro could have the personality to succeed at Old Trafford, with reporter John Cross praising the central midfielder for his “sensational” attitude during his time with Chelsea.
That said, the former Crystal Palace man probably shouldn’t be brought in as a direct alternative to Baleba, given that he has predominantly featured in a central or attacking midfield role throughout his career, while the Brighton star has a more defensive mindset.
Not only that, but Man United’s number one priority before the transfer deadline should be to sign a new goalkeeper, after Onana made yet another blunder against Grimsby.
Marc Skinner insists Manchester United have the "boots they need" for their Champions League qualifying second leg clash with Brann. The Red Devils lost 1-0 in Norway, having mislaid the players' footwear. Staff were dispatched to a local sports shop to buy boots and shinpads ahead of the fixture but Skinner insists that his side are "ready" for the return leg.
Last week's debacle
United lost 1-0 to Brann last week in shambolic circumstances. The club realised, on the day of the game, that they did not have the required boots and shin-pads for their players, so staff had to buy them locally. Per , they did so less than three hours before kick-off, signifying the disorder in the dressing room.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMust-win game for Man Utd
United know that they need to overturn their 1-0 defeat from last week if they are to continue on their Women's Champions League journey. Skinner has said that he feels Leigh Sports Village has become a "fortress", and is hopeful his team can prove that once again. Skinner did admit, though, that he has no idea where the lost boots are.
Skinner insists players are 'ready'
Skinner said: "I would imagine we have got the boots [this time]! They have been training with them so they have them sorted. Everything is fine. The players are ready. They all had the boots they needed for the [first leg] so there were no excuses and they took it really well.
"It was one of those things you don't want to happen, but it does happen. I don't know where the [lost] boots are but we're living in a modern world where boots can get sent very quickly so all the players have them now. They might not be the same ones but they are the boots they need for the game on Thursday."
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Getty Images SportDo-or-die for United
United are so close to reaching the Champions League proper; they simply have to find a way to mount a comeback on Thursday. Whether that proves easier said than done remains to be seen.