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The Los Angeles Dodgers placed starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow on the 15-day injured list after he exited his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday. He left after just one inning after he felt discomfort in his right shoulder while warming up for the second inning.

Monday evening, the team announced Glasnow is headed for the 15-day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. In a subsequent move, L.A. recalled right-handed reliever Noah Davis to take Glasnow's roster spot.

The IL stint is only the latest for Glasnow, who has a lengthy injury history. He has dealt with back issues, a serious oblique injury, a forearm strain, multiple elbow problems plus Tommy John surgery in 2021. Last season, he was shut down in August due to a strained elbow and missed the rest of the season. He has spent time on the IL in six of his last seven seasons.

After the early exit from Sunday's game, Glasnow said "something grabbed" on his final warmup throws which he related to mechanical changes he made to his delivery over the offseason according to MLB.com. And he admitted that the newest injury was nothing but frustrating.

"Just making a lot of changes, trying to figure out a way to stay healthy, I think some of the changes led to other things kind of taking over," Glasnow said via MLB.com. "And at this point, I'm just trying to figure out what to do. It's just extremely frustrating."

The Dodgers (18–10) begin a three-game series with the Miami Marlins Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

Newcastle United meet Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend. Always a fun one.

The November international break has curtailed and now it’s domestic action right through until March. By that stage, so much could have happened: the Magpies may have defended their Carabao Cup title and made headway in the Premier League to press for Champions League qualification, for example.

But the upswing in form needs to start now. United have been out of sorts this season, and languish in 14th place. Still strong at St. James’ Park, this stands as a fantastic chance to underpin Eddie Howe’s fifth chapter on Tyneside with a statement victory that tells of durability and a will to win which is as fervent as ever.

24/25

Premier League (A)

4-0 loss

24/25

Premier League (H)

1-1 draw

23/24

FA Cup

2-0 loss

23/24

Premier League (H)

3-2 loss

23/24

Carabao Cup (H)

1-0 win

23/24

Premier League (A)

1-0 loss

And Newcastle will need all their strength against a Man City side who have foiled them many times in recent years, losing just one match to the Northern outfit across 15 matches in all competitions. In fact, Newcastle have only recorded one top-flight victory over City since 2005/06.

SJP will be a cauldron of deafening noise, for sure, and it will need to be, especially with Howe contending with a glut of injuries.

Newcastle team news vs Man City

Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are both out for the visitors, and so Howe will know the importance of a fiery central display to overwhelm and negate much of the away side’s creative threat.

However, the Toon may be forced to put their plan into action without the power and physicality of Joelinton, who may be sidelined after being forced off during the defeat at Brentford before the break.

The Brazilian’s nasty leg injury isn’t thought to have eliminated him from contention here, but Howe will be wary of unleashing his midfield monster if it’s clear he lacks full fitness and ferocity.

Sandro Tonali is fit to play, while Nick Pope has been given the green light following concussion protocols. However, Anthony Gordon is “touch and go”, and wide duo Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento may not be risked from the opening after bouncing back from respective setbacks.

City are going to try and overwhelm the Magpies, but with Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes on form, there’s little question that the hosts have the tools to get the job done. Albeit, Yoane Wissa is still not quite ready to make his debut, months after completing a big-money transfer from Brentford, as he completes the final laps of his recovery process after a knee injury sustained on international duty with DR Congo.

And if Joelinton is kept out of action, or even benched, Howe has the perfect alternative to unleash in the middle of the park.

Howe could unleash Joelinton replacement

Newcastle need an emphatic performance against City, who have taken the spoils so often in this meeting. What Newcastle could do with is some uplifting flair to complement the grit of Howe’s wider system.

Well, while Jacob Ramsey will be gunning for a starting berth, it’s Lewis Miley who should be given the nod, with his deep-lying playmaking qualities allowing the senior midfielders beside him to play with freedom and dynamism.

Miley came under flak across the early weeks of the campaign, some segments of the fanbase questioning his levels, but he has grown in confidence over the past few months, particularly impressing in starts over Benfica and Fulham, both wins for United.

After that mature showing against Benfica, journalist Liam Kennedy hailed his “coming-of-age performance in the number six role”, proving that he’s now “ready for serious minutes”.

The 19-year-old is a silky ball-playing midfielder with convincing signs of defensive play. He is raw, yes, and lacks the polish of a midfielder grown into their skin. And yet he’s also got something special about him, a game-changing quality that has led one Magpies Podcaster to hail him as being Howe’s “own Phil Foden”, given his English talent and growing reputation as his side’s starboy.

Miley emerged before he had even reached adulthood, and he confirmed that he has potential in Howe’s Newcastle system.

If Howe does engineer his first-ever Premier League victory over Manchester City (for Newcastle and Bournemouth), this could be a sensational turning point for a club whose residual issues from the summer transfer window are continuing to plague the team’s fluency and confidence.

Many eyes will be on Nick Woltemade, on Tonali and Bruno in the centre. The big hitters. But this is a game for a breakthrough, and Miley could finally announce himself, properly, as a star in the making on Tyneside.

He’s hardly unknown. The academy graduate has already racked up 58 senior appearances for Newcastle, and he has scored three goals and provided five assists.

He might not have Foden’s gusto and world-renowned reputation, but Miley is an exciting and creative player, strong in the duel and bringing a unique flavour that perhaps no one else in the squad can quite match.

Foden, for sure, will be a threat, and perhaps someone Pep Guardiola will look to use as a focal point. After all, Erling Haaland might have scored on his first appearance against Howe’s Newcastle, but he has blanked across five outings since.

Miley has the opportunity to stand his countryman up and take control on a big evening for Newcastle. They cannot afford to slip to a defeat on home turf ahead of successive away trips to Marseille and then Everton.

This might just be his moment.

Bigger talent than Anderson: Newcastle have 'one of the world's best teens'

Newcastle’s academy has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2025

Only 3.4 overs possible on blustery, grey day at Eden Park

Andrew Miller23-Oct-2025New Zealand 38 for 1 (Seifert 23*) vs England – match abandoned England claimed the spoils in their T20I series against New Zealand, after the third and final match at Auckland went the same way as the series opener in Christchurch – lost to the weather as steady early-season rain swept in to curtail the contest after just 3.4 overs.In the limited time available, Tim Seifert made the running for New Zealand with an enterprising knock of 23 not out from 11 balls. He launched his innings with two fours off Luke Wood in the three balls that were possible prior to the evening’s first hour-and-a-half-long delay. Then – after the match resumed as 14 overs a side – he struck two sixes off the extra pace of Brydon Carse, including an outrageous reverse-scoop over fine leg that was well caught in the crowd.Carse did hit back at the other end, removing Tim Robinson for 2 as Jacob Bethell clung on well to a top-edged pull at deep midwicket. Wood then bowled an effective over to the left-handed Rachin Ravindra, finding sharp late movement in the seam-friendly conditions. Ravindra got going with a pulled six off Carse, but moments after Seifert had landed the second of his sixes off the same bowler, the rain returned once more.Despite a planned resumption at 10pm local time – with the match further reduced to eight overs a side – the grim weather returned just as the players were preparing to take the field, and the match was abandoned soon afterwards.It completed an unsatisfactory early-season foray for New Zealand, whose curtain-raising series against Australia at the start of the month had similarly been affected by the weather. They had made the running in the series opener, limiting England’s hard-hitting line-up to 153 for 6 on a seaming wicket at Hagley Oval, but were blown away in the return fixture two days later, losing by 65 runs after England had smashed the ground record with their total of 236 for 4.England chose to bowl first having named an unchanged XI for this decider. Despite the grey weather and unusually short boundaries at Eden Park, they decided to trust the balance that had impressed in Christchurch, with Liam Dawson retained as a second spinner ahead of an extra seam option.New Zealand, meanwhile, made one change – Zak Foulkes coming in for Kyle Jamieson. But in the end, it was all academic, as attention now turns to the ODIs which get underway in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.”It’s very frustrating,” Brook said at the post-match presentation. “The weather hasn’t been ideal. But great for the boys to get some time out there.”It’s a great place to tour, we’ve had an amazing time so far. We’ve got the ODIs coming up and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve got a few big names coming back and hopefully we can keep that momentum in the next few weeks.”Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s captain, rued his team’s missed opportunities, both with the weather and their own performances: “I guess this time of the year it (rain) is always a potential. It’s always nice to play England, no matter what time of the year you play.”The way we bowled in that first game [was good], especially on a Hagley wicket that did give us a little bit. The second game, we were put under a lot of pressure on a good wicket, so when we come across that again, we’ll have learnings from that.”

Lionel Messi is preparing for his first MLS Cup final as Inter Miami face the Western Conference champions, Vancouver Whitecaps. Reflecting on the matchup, Messi said he was excited to face Thomas Müller, whose arrival in Vancouver has added a new layer of intrigue to the league and the final.

Getty Images SportMessi on Müller, Vancouver and the stakes of the final

Messi said he was pleased Muller had joined MLS and that the German’s presence raises the profile and competitive level of the final. He noted Miami and Vancouver know each other well after recent meetings and acknowledged Vancouver’s consistency this season, adding that the addition of Muller only strengthens a side that has pushed to the very end of multiple competitions. Messi warned that the match would be extremely tough and said Inter Miami must be ready for a high-quality opponent.

“First of all, it is very nice that Muller has come to play in MLS and the repercussion that this represents,” Messi said ahead of the final. “It’s good that this final came to be and that we can face each other again. We have already faced Vancouver, and we know what kind of team they are.

“In fact, they eliminated us in [the CONCACAF Champions Cup]. It was also a very consistent team throughout the year that finished among the top teams and competed in all competitions until the end, just as we did. And well, we know it's going to be a very, very tough game. And the addition of Muller coming to that team, makes them much better still. It brings more awareness to the game, to the team, and it will be a very, very special final, in which we hope it will be in our favor."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMessi on Alba and Busquets retiring with a title

With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets potentially ending their careers with an MLS Cup, Messi said the prospect would be hugely meaningful for the players and the club. A title, he noted, would be a perfect way for two long-time teammates to step away, and a moment shared by everyone in the locker room and in the stands.

“Well, it would be very nice for me, for them, for everyone, wouldn’t it?” Messi said. “May they finish their careers with a title and in the best possible way. I think it would be very positive and a very nice memory for them – to retire with one more joy in their great careers, after all the titles they both won.

“And well, to add one more and retire with a good taste in their mouth and say goodbye to the United States with a title… it would be something very special.”

(C)Getty ImagesFinal pits star power against collective depth

The final brings together two distinct profiles: Inter Miami’s core of global stars led by Messi and former Barcelona teammates, and a Vancouver team whose experienced recruitment now includes Müller. Vancouver have leaned on depth and cohesion throughout the season, while Miami have often depended on decisive contributions from their biggest names in tight matches.

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AFPAnticipation builds for a landmark final

With the MLS Cup final approaching, Messi said the match is significant for the team and the league. Inter Miami will face Vancouver, a matchup that includes high-profile players such as Messi and Müller. Both clubs arrive with experienced squads and a title on the line this Saturday. 

In December of 2012, a two-way high school star named Shohei Ohtani shocked Japan by announcing he was signing with the Nippon Ham Fighters, the team that drafted him, rather than signing with a Major League Baseball team as an international free agent.

“When they first selected me, there was zero chance of me signing with them,” Ohtani said then.

Hideki Kuriyama, the Fighters manager, challenged Ohtani to establish himself as a two-way professional in Japan, rather than accept the specialization that likely awaited the teenager in the states.

“He told me that he wanted me to travel down a path no one else walked down,” Ohtani said then.

Since then, Ohtani has spent his entire professional life taking the road not taken. He did it again Saturday with career home run No. 250.

Another milestone, another new path.

Having swiped his 150th career base in April, Ohtani reached 250 home runs and 150 stolen bases faster than any player in history: 945 games, or 929 games if you don’t count the games in which he pitched but did not hit.

He leads his league in home runs, slugging, total bases and OPS for a third straight year while on pace to become the first player in 94 years to score 160 runs—and, oh, by the way, while throwing simulated games as he recovers from elbow surgery so he can join the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation … which will happen Monday night!

That’s right, on Sunday night the team suddenly announced the National League home run leader and Dodgers’ leadoff hitter will make his Dodgers pitching debut at Dodger Stadium against the San Diego Padres on Monday. Two-way Shohei is back. It will be his first time pitching in any kind of competitive game in 662 days—no minor league rehab starts for The Unicorn!—and he will do it against the NL West rival Padres.

The vibe will be electric. We have never seen a greater all-round talent in baseball. And now Ohtani is back to what he calls his “norm” as a two-way player. He is not stretched out yet to go more than three or four innings, but the Dodgers are adding a dominant arm at a time when they need one. Let the fun begin.

But for now, let’s use the 250-home run milestone as a marker to take stock of where Ohtani ranks .

Who are the best historical comps for Ohtani?

The home run/stolen base combo is nice, but let’s go full card here, since Ohtani is the rare offensive player who has power and speed at elite levels. Let’s find the only players through 945 games with 200 homers, 150 steals, 150 doubles and 40 triples.

Here is the entire list. I threw in extra-base hits just to reinforce how alike Ohtani is to Willie Mays as a hitter at this point in their careers:

Through 945 games: 200 HR, 150 SB, 150 2B, 40 3B

HR

SB

2B

3B

XBH

Willie Mays

221

156

168

78

467

Shohei Ohtani

250

156

178

41

469

Mike Trout

207

167

203

40

450

What kind of pitches does Ohtani hit most for home runs?

Ohtani has hit slightly more than half his 250 home runs off fastballs, 54.4%. That’s not a surprise because he sees 52.6% fastballs (well below the major league average of 57.2% over the course of his career).

The surprise is that Ohtani sees 29% breaking pitches, but hits 32.4% of his home runs off breaking pitches, his biggest difference in power by pitch types.

Ohtani by pitch type, career

HR

HR %

Pitch %

Difference

Fastballs

136

54.4%

52.6%

+1.8%

Breaking

81

32.4%

29%

+3.4%

Off-speed

33

13.2%

18.2%

-5%

Ohtani is a in-zone breaking ball hitter. Over the past three seasons he slugs .834 on in-zone spin. Next best in MLB is Gunnar Henderson, who is nowhere near him at .712 (minimum 5,000 total pitches).

How has Ohtani evolved as a hitter?

Ohtani is only now entering his prime power years. He has become a more dangerous power hitter in recent years by mastering the art of getting the ball airborne to the pull side.

Check out this growth chart when it comes to pull-side power:

Ohtani pulled home runs

HR

Percentage of HR

2018–20

11

23.4%

2021–23

58

46.8%

2024–25

40

50.6%

How did he pull off this evolution into a pull-side monster?

Let’s compare two pull-side Ohtani home runs, one from 2020, before he began to truly grow into his pull power, and his 250th home run from Saturday:

Setup: The changes are more subtle than drastic, but they are significant. He is now more upright, more open with his feet, the head is more turned to get both eyes on the ball easier and his back elbow is slightly higher to better pre-set the load position of his wrists.

Swing: He now stays behind the ball (which you can tell from his head position), has a much firmer front side (he eliminated the drift into the ball you see in 2020), has more extension through the ball and holds off rolling his top wrist much later to create more backspin. It’s a much more powerful, efficient swing.

How else has he evolved as a hitter?

By starting more upright and keeping his head behind the baseball, Ohtani has become the best high-strike slugger in baseball. Do not try to challenge this man with high fastballs.

Ohtani vs. high strikes

No. of pitches

HR

SLG

MLB SLG Rank

2018–21

759

12

.500

86

2022-25

1,107

37

.807

1

What is the Tropic of Ohtani?

It’s the key latitude for pitchers. Think of a line two feet off the ground, defining roughly the bottom quarter of the strike zone. Call it the Tropic of Ohtani. To limit Ohtani’s power, a pitcher must execute at this line and lower.

Why? Ohtani is a tall hitter who hits from an upright posture. When he struggles, he swings at too many low pitches before two strikes. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts likes Ohtani to take pitches down, even if they are strikes, early in the count. He knows Ohtani should hunt pitches where his slug is—and that’s not down. He does pitchers a favor by not waiting for something even slightly elevated.

If you want to turn Ohtani into a .192 hitter, keep the ball on the bottom rail of the strike zone. Here is your map of the Tropic of Ohtani:

Ohtani by pitch height, 2021-25

What are Ohtani’s chances of hitting 500 home runs?

Ohtani is the 65th hitter to reach 250 home runs by his age 30 season. Eight are still active (Ohtani, Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Matt Olson, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Trout).

Of the 57 retired players who reached 250 homers by age 30, only 24 of them hit another 250 homers. That’s only 42% of the young sluggers who get halfway there by age 30 who make the 500 Home Run Club.

The 30U members of the 250 Club who finished with the fewest home runs were Prince Fielder and Jay Bruce (319), Troy Glaus (320) and Justin Upton (325). The biggest head start by those who came up short were Andruw Jones (368 though age 30), Juan Gonzalez (362) and Adam Dunn (354).

So among players who get halfway to 500 by 30, more players fall short than get in the 500 Club. Historically speaking, that would seem to put the odds against him. But if we’ve learned anything about Ohtani it is that he is one of one. Precedent does not apply. With his evolution as a hitter, Ohtani is on his own road toward 500 and beyond.

Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to keep close tabs on an Elliot Anderson alternative who Ruben Amorim once called a “natural leader”.

Roy Keane slams "schoolboy" Man Utd star after West Ham draw

Just when it seems like Man United are making progress, the Red Devils are hit with more frustration. This time, it was West Ham United who took full advantage to snatch a point at Old Trafford thanks to Soungoutou Magassa’s late equaliser.

It’s now one win in five for Ruben Amorim’s side and club legend Roy Keane couldn’t hold back his criticism any longer following the draw against West Ham.

It was another game in which United failed to make their attacking prowess count as Keane questioned midfielder Mount following his cameo from the bench.

It’s not the first time that Amorim’s midfield has been questioned and it certainly won’t be the last. INEOS are well aware that additions in that area should be next on their list of priorities, having reinforced the frontline in the summer.

18x ball lost: Amorim must ruthlessly bench overhyped 5/10 Man Utd man

This Man Utd ace struggled in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 5, 2025

As such, names such as Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have emerged as 2026 targets. The former is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League, with United among the chasing pack to land his signature.

But the Nottingham Forest star isn’t the only name on their shortlist. Instead, they could yet form a reunion between Morten Hjulmand and Amorim.

Man Utd keeping close tabs on Hjulmand

According to Caught Offside, Man United scouts are now keeping close tabs on Hjulmand in case they miss out on both Anderson and Wharton. The Sporting CP star is valued at £50m – making him a cheaper alternative to Anderson – and is someone that Amorim knows well from his time in Lisbon.

Minutes

1,067

1,260

Progressive Passes

91

119

Tackles Won

16

20

Ball Recoveries

79

115

Although Amorim was quick to dub Hjulmand a “fantastic player” at Sporting, there’s no denying that Anderson should remain Man United’s top option.

The Nottingham Forest star has blown the Dane away, statistically speaking, so far this season and has done the same comparison to a number of Premier League stars.

He won’t come cheap and United must overcome the hurdle of competition from Manchester City and others, but INEOS simply have to go all out for the England international in 2026. If the Red Devils are to rise again, they cannot settle for second best.

"Pretty torrid" – Samuel Luckhurst slams Man Utd star vs West Ham

Australia allrounder Neser joins for County Championship stint, while Lehmann agrees two-year deal as local player

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Dec-2025Hampshire have announced the signings of Australians Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann. Neser, who claimed his maiden Test five-for against England at the Gabba last week, will join for the first six rounds of the County Championship in April-May, while Lehmann has agreed a two-year contract as a locally registered player using his UK passport.Neser, 35, had a previous stint with Hampshire in 2024, playing seven games in the Blast alongside one Championship appearance. He has also enjoyed success with Glamorgan, taking 80 first-class wickets at 23.00, as well as recording his highest score of 176 not out.Lehmann, 33, the son of former Australia batter and coach, Darren, has never been capped but is a steady performer for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. He was the competition’s third-highest run-scorer as South Australia won the 2024-25 Shield, with 750 at 44.11, and is currently leading the way for his state in the current season down under.Related

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Hampshire will be his third county, having played for Yorkshire (in 2016) and Lancashire (2019).”I’m excited to join Hampshire on a two-year deal, it’s great to return to county cricket,” Lehmann said. “Hampshire has a fantastic history of Australian players and to follow in the footsteps of Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and the like is really special.”I look forward to joining up with the team at Utilita Bowl and hopefully contributing to the trophy cabinet.”Although Lehmann is likely to have to give up his status as a domestic player in Australia to qualify as a local in county cricket, states are allowed to play one overseas player in a Shield XI.Hampshire narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025 County Championship, thanks to Durham’s defeat to Yorkshire. They will go into the new season with Russell Domingo as head coach, with the South African taking over from long-serving Adi Birrell.Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said: “In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann, we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact. Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball – he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”Jake is in outstanding form and is the leading run scorer in Shield cricket over the past 18 months. With a British passport, he is eligible to play as a locally qualified player, allowing flex in strengthening the squad.”Both players possess a great attitude and bring quality and experience; it’s a big boost as we look to finalise our plans ahead of 2026.”Gloucestershire bring in Australia A allrounder ScottLiam Scott celebrates his maiden Shield century•Getty ImagesAnother Australian heading to the UK in 2026 is allrounder Liam Scott, who has signed to play for Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast. Scott, 25, will also be available for two rounds of the County Championship in June.Scott was a team-mate of Lehmann’s in the South Australia side that won the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield. He has also played for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash, and been capped for Australia A. Last week, he scored his maiden first-class hundred, an innings of 147 off 171 balls that helped set up a ten-wicket win.Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, said: “Liam is an exciting young allrounder from South Australia who plays for the Strikers in the Big Bash. He’s a cricketer whose stock is on the rise and is highly regarded across Australia. We’ve done extensive research into the best young allrounders available, and adding a third overseas player with a different skillset will help balance our T20 squad throughout the tournament.”We’re really excited to welcome him over. We’ve heard so many positive things and look forward to seeing him join the group.”Liam will also be available for two County Championship matches at the height of the summer. We’ve had a number of impressive Australian allrounders with the club in recent years, and we’re confident Liam has the ability to be the next big overseas star for Gloucestershire.”

Neymar is all set to visit the 'miracle doctor' in Brazil in a bid to overcome injury and make it to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in North America next summer. Neymar has struggled for fitness throughout the calendar year; however, he saw a late resurgence into the season as he scored and helped Santos avoid relegation, finishing 12th in the Brazilian top division league.

Neymar's late resurgence at Santos

In his final four games for Santos at the business end of the Brazilian Serie A season, Neymar scored five goals and provided one assist as his boyhood club won their last three matches of the campaign and successfully saved relegation. The late resurgence included a hat-trick for the Brazil icon, which came in Santos' 3-0 win over Juventude.   

However, Neymar is still recovering from his chronic injury issues and is now planning to work on his condition to get fully fit and earn a recall in the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNeymar to consult 'miracle doctor'

Neymar will soon undergo a partial arthroscopic meniscectomy on his left knee. further reports that the 33-year-old will soon consult a famous Brazilian physiotherapist, Eduardo Santos, who is known as 'Dr. Miracle' for his ability to treat patients in record time, often using unconventional methods.  

Graduated from PUC (Pontifical Catholic University) in Belo Horizonte, Santos holds a master's and doctorate in sports medicine, and for years, he headed the medical department of Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG. He has also worked at Vitesse in the Netherlands and Zenit in Russia.

Some of his high-profile patients include Hulk, Oscar, Philippe Coutinho and, more recently, Manchester United's Matheus Cunha and Vanderson. Santos is currently in England,  working closely on the recovery of Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz. In 2015, after former Brazilian defender David Luiz was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks, Santos miraculously made him play his next match within 10 days. 

Ancelotti's warning to Neymar

Despite Neymar working hard to regain his full fitness ahead of the World Cup, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti recently issued a warning to all Selecao stars. The Italian coach said: "There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It's not just Neymar, it could be [Real Madrid forward] Vinicius. If Vinicius is at 90%, I'll call up another player who is at 100%, because it's a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. Up front, we have really many good players." 

He added: "If we talk about Neymar, we have to talk about other players. We have to think about Brazil, which can be with Neymar or without Neymar, with other players or without other players. The definitive list we will make after the FIFA date in March. I understand very well that they are very interested in Neymar, I want to clarify that we are in December, the World Cup is in June, I will choose the team that will go to the World Cup in May. If Neymar deserves to be, if he is well, better than someone else, he will play in the World Cup and period. I don't owe anyone a debt."

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Getty Images SportNeymar cast doubts on Santos future

After Santos' final game of the season, Neymar told reporters that he is not certain whether to continue at the club after his current deal expires in a few weeks. The Brazil star said: "I came for this, to try to help the best way I can. These have been tough weeks for me. I thank those who were with me to lift me up. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have played these matches because of these injuries, this knee problem. I need to rest and then we will have this knee surgery. I do not know, really. I don’t know. I need some days now, I need to rest, disconnect then decide my future. For sure my priority always goes to Santos."  

The Los Angeles Dodgers found themselves in a one-out jam with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night as they hung on to a one-run lead. Dodgers closer Tanner Scott got a ground ball for a much-needed shot at a double play, but it was the furthest thing from routine.

Second baseman Tommy Edman fielded the ball hit by Royals rookie Jac Caglianone cleanly and fired it over to Mookie Betts at shortstop for out No. 1. Betts had to turn it as quickly as he could to beat Caglianone to first and stop the tying run from scoring and preserving the win.

The throw to first skipped through the Kauffman Stadium dirt as Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman made a tremendous effort to scoop the ball while keeping his foot on the bag, laying out nearly in the splits for the final out of the game.

He held his glove triumphantly in the air while falling to the ground as the out was called, with the ball poking out of his mitt after the snow-cone catch.

If the ball got by Freeman, that very well could have turned the game from a Dodgers win to a crushing road loss. With the victory, the Dodgers claimed the best record in baseball (52-31) after the previous owner of that honor, the Detroit Tigers, dropped a game to the Minnesota Twins on Friday and fell to 51-32 on the season. And it's all because Freeman stayed in front of the ball.

A lot of planning went into Major League Baseball's Speedway Classic between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway.

An entire field was constructed in the middle of the race track, custom uniforms were handed out and there was even a pregame concert with Pitbull and Tim McGraw. Unfortunately, the one thing you can't plan for wouldn't comply for the first MLB game in the state of Tennessee.

Weather hit in Bristol, Tenn. which forced the contest between the Braves and Reds to start in a rain delay. A disappointing start to an event that was months in the making. But what can you do? Boston Red Sox legend and current MLB on Fox broadcaster David Ortiz provided plenty of optimism and kept the energy light during the delay by showing his skills as a weatherman.

"I'm a meteorologist," Ortiz joked on the broadcast as he analyzed the radar. "It's a little bit of green over Bristol, let's see the weather right here. See that little bit of green open? It will be gone in a little bit people. Don't rush it out, sit down and have a drink because that's going to go away in a little bit. It's a lot of green but I can see a little window right there."

You can watch the hilarious clip below:

First pitch at Bristol Motor Speedway was scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Starting lineups were announced and the national anthem was sung but the tarp had to be rolled out due to rain in Bristol that delayed the action.

At least Big Papi brought the fans at home some rain-delay entertainment.