>>Nationals’ Harper Wins HR Derby
(Washington, DC) — Hometown hero Bryce Harper is the 2018 Home Run Derby champion. The Nationals outfielder beat Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber 19-18 in the final to claim the title. Harper beat the Dodgers’ Max Muncy 13-12 in the semifinals, while Schwarber edged the Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins 21-20 in the other semi. Muncy bested the Cubs’ Javier Baez 17-16 in the first round.
>>2018 MLB All-Star Game Tonight
(Washington, DC) — The 2018 MLB All-Star Game is tonight at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Cubs second baseman Javier Baez is starting and hitting leadoff, while catcher Wilson Contreras bats ninth. Chicago is also represented by pitcher Jon Lester, but he won’t play. The only White Sox player in attendance is Jose Abreu. Abreu starts at first base and is batting eighth for the AL.
>>Cardinals’ Molina Open To Player-Manager Role In 2020
(Washington, DC) — Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina says he’d welcome the chance to be the club’s player-manager in the final year of his contract in 2020. He tells ESPN it would be a dream to be considered for such a role. Molina has spent his entire 15-year playing career with the Cards.
>>Indianapolis Hosting 2026 Men’s Final Four
(Indianapolis, IN) — Indianapolis is going to be hosting two Men’s Final Fours next decade. The NCAA announced yesterday the 2026 event will be inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The city had previously been named the 2021 host. It will be the ninth time Indianapolis has hosted a Men’s Final Four.
>>Bears Rookies In Camp
(Bourbonnais, IL) — Bears rookies are now at training camp. They reported yesterday. Veterans are due to join them by Thursday. Chicago’s first preseason game is August 2nd in the Hall of Fame Game from Canton, Ohio against the Baltimore Ravens.
>>Steelers Don’t Get Deal Done With Bell
(Pittsburgh, PA) — The Steelers weren’t able to get a long-term deal done with running back Le’Veon Bell before yesterday’s deadline for franchise-tagged players. His agent tells ESPN he expects this to be the star’s last season with Pittsburgh after also playing on the franchise tag last year. Bell ran for 1,291 yards and nine TD’s in 2017.