
I Dig Sports
Nats' DeJong hit in face with pitch, to have scan

PITTSBURGH -- Washington Nationals third baseman Paul DeJong was hit in the face by a pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller on Tuesday night and left the game in the sixth inning.
The pitch struck DeJong on his left cheek. After being attended to by athletic trainers, DeJong walked off the field.
He's set for a CT scan, according to manager Davey Martinez, and the team is still awaiting word on his condition.
Amed Rosario pinch ran for DeJong with the Nationals leading 1-0. Washington eventually beat Pittsburgh 3-0.
DeJong was 0 for 2 and is hitting .204 in 16 games this season. He signed with the Nationals as a free agent during spring training after hitting 24 home runs with the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.

SAN DIEGO -- The Chicago Cubs have optioned top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa after a disappointing start to the rookie third baseman's career.
Shaw, the No. 13 pick in the 2023 amateur draft, is just 10-for-58 with one homer and three RBIs. He has 18 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances.
"We want to get a productive player back," manager Craig Counsell said before the Cubs played the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. "Sometimes you have to take a step back to do that. At this level it's production and the point we're at, obviously you give guys time to work through it but we just thought we saw enough where we kind of needed to take a break from this level and get some at-bats at Triple-A."
Counsell, a former major league infielder, said it's normal for young hitters to struggle.
"He's just been up against it a little bit to start the year," he said. "Sometimes it is just some success that kind of reframes it some and gets you good feelings back and good vibes back and gets you back to being that offensive threat."
The Cubs also put right-hander Eli Morgan on the 15-day injured list because of an elbow impingement. Infielder Vidal Brujan was reinstated from the 10-day IL, and right-hander Nate Pearson was optioned to Iowa.
Left-hander Luke Little and right-hander Daniel Palencia were recalled from Triple-A before Tuesday's game.
Counsell said Morgan felt something in his elbow Monday night, when he got two outs in a 10-4 loss. The team will figure out what's next when it returns to Chicago after Wednesday's game.
Morgan, acquired from Cleveland in November, has a 12.27 ERA in seven appearances. He went 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 32 appearances last season for the AL Central champion Guardians, who had the best bullpen in the majors in 2024.
The Cubs were leading the NL Central at 11-8 entering Tuesday's game against the Padres. They recently lost ace Justin Steele to a season-ending left elbow injury.
MLB honors Robinson: 'Keeping his legacy burning'

LOS ANGELES -- Jackie Robinson was the first to break baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers 78 years ago Tuesday. His legacy continues to inspire people inside the major leagues -- and outside, too.
Players and staff from the Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and rookie Roki Sasaki, and the Colorado Rockies surrounded Robinson's statue in Centerfield Plaza hours before game time at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day around the major leagues.
They were joined by Basketball Hall of Fame player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who turns 78 on Wednesday. He recalled wearing a Brooklyn baseball cap while growing up in the neighboring borough of Manhattan.
"I'd get in fights with people from the Giants, the Yankees, pretty often," he said, "but I kept my cap on and nobody was able to knock it off. I was so tall."
Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, followed in Robinson's footsteps as a sports star at UCLA, where he won three national championships under Hall of Fame coach John Wooden.
Robinson has continued to be a lifelong inspiration for Abdul-Jabbar.
"He meant excellence, giving your all, giving your best," Abdul-Jabbar said, "and for all the detractors that are out there, just ignore them and keep on."
Every team playing Tuesday wore No. 42 jerseys. It's the only number universally retired in the majors.
"It's not just a one-off day," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "We understand what this man did for our world, our country. This is how you go about life. This is something for me, keeping his legacy burning."
Roberts and Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angels are only Black managers currently in the majors.
"One of the things Jackie obviously nailed is he realized from an early time that life was going to be hard," Roberts said. "He was special and he was put in this certain position to rise above and know that it's not just about the game of baseball. It's bigger than him."
The Dodgers and Rockies were joined by Sonya Pankey Robinson, the oldest grandchild of Jackie and Rachel Robinson and the only child of Jackie Jr., who was killed in a car accident in 1971 at age 24. Granddaughter Ayo Robinson, whose father is David Robinson, was also on hand.
"He was so progressive in so many ways," Pankey Robinson said of her grandfather. "When I think about him fondly, I just think about all of his contributions to society and to us as a family. I feel a real responsibility to uphold his values and I take that job very seriously."
Robinson's 102-year-old widow marked the anniversary at the Jackie Robinson Museum in Brooklyn with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
"She is out looking great and greeting everyone," said Pankey Robinson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday. "Not only did she instill the values that she knows my grandfather would expect us to uphold, but she had her own values and her own expectations of us early on to set goals for ourselves in life."
Pankey Robinson lives near her grandmother in New York, saying, "We keep it close and tight."
Jackie Robinson was in the news last month when a Defense Department page describing his military service was restored after being removed. The department has been removing content highlighting contributions by women and minority groups as part of a directive for President Donald Trump's administration to delete material promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
"Disheartening but not discouraged because I think what he's done is etched in history and it's not anyone else's place to remove that," Pankey Robinson said after the ceremony. "His impact is large and we feel good knowing, that while disappointed, what he did mattered."
The Angels' Washington learned about Robinson when he bought a book about him during a bus stop in Waterloo, Iowa, on a minor league trip in 1972.
"It impacted me tremendously to find out what he had to go through just to play the game of baseball," Washington said, "and then you look back and say, 'Wow, in this period could I have done that?' I want to think I could, but I don't know if I could."
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Robinson "one of the most important figures in American history."
"Obviously, he was part of integrating our sport, but part of further integrating America, and other sports. It's so cool what we get to do today, and everyone wearing 42, bringing attention to it and just honoring what's an amazing legacy."

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to work hard to beat underdog Ethan Quinn to reach the Barcelona Open last 16 on Tuesday.
The world number two was a break down in the second set against Quinn, ranked 126th in the world, before fighting back to win 6-2 7-6 (8-6).
After saving five break points and breaking Quinn twice in the opening set, Alcaraz was pushed much harder by the 21-year-old American in the second.
The players exchanged breaks on three occasions and Alcaraz, 21, had to save a set point in the tie-break before finally winning through.
"I made some mistakes, I found it hard to maintain my level, but I am happy to have solved the problems that came in the second set, and to end up winning in two sets," Alcaraz told TVE.
Universal Studios to host squash at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Squashs Olympic debut will take place at Courthouse Square for LA 2028 as the sport goes from stage to screen and World Squash hailing the organisers for their brilliant creative vision.
The venue at Universal Studios Lot in San Fernando Valley has played host to an array of iconic Hollywood movies, notably Back to The Future, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Nutty Professor.
With squash being played on a host of theatre stages on the PSA Tour, the move by LA organisers, as well as NBC executives, to put squash in a movie setting is an apt one.
World Squash president Zena Wooldridge said: On behalf of the global squash community, I would like to thank the teams from the IOC, LA28 and NBCUniversal for their brilliant creative vision in proposing squash for what will surely be one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world.
As one of the worlds most famous film studios, Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles will present a unique and spectacular Hollywood setting for squashs Olympic premiere, one which Im sure will excite squash fans across the world.
There was no further detail in Wednesdays release as to where the squash competition will held at Courthouse Square or if it will be an undercover event. With a 16-player draw, the schedule also lends itself to be played at night.
But US Squash president and CEO Kevin Klipstein added: For squash in the United States, there could not be a more ideal location for our sports Olympic debut than in Los Angeles and at Universal Studios.
Squash will be the only Olympic sport staged at Universal Studios.
LAs organising committee presented a final venues plan to the IOC last week.
The latest venues plan includes sites in Venice, downtown LA and Long Beach.
PSA CEO Alex Gough said: Squash has always prided itself on being played in remarkable, iconic locations.
By combining its world-class facilities, entertainment expertise, and strategic location, the Universal Studios Lot promises to create an unforgettable Olympic experience for our players, fans, and the sport. We are thrilled to be part of this historic moment and look forward to welcoming fans from across the globe to experience squash in such a unique and inspiring setting.

Newcastle Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond says the sport's disciplinary process "is flawed" as he begins a six-match ban against Northampton Saints on Friday.
Diamond, 56, was given the suspension for abusing match officials at the end of a 17-15 defeat at Exeter Chiefs on 29 March.
He was upset about Exeter's match-winning try in the last minute being awarded and angrily confronted the officials after the game.
Diamond admitted the charge, describing the incident as a "huge mistake", but says more experienced officials may be needed.
He said: "There's a problem with the disciplinary system, not a problem with the referees. There's only people like me prepared to say things about it, but it's not the first time these things have happened.
"I've got a six-week ban for saying an inappropriate comment - which I've apologised for - to a professional referee in complete privacy.
"If the ref can't pick it up, because he can't see everything and the assistant can't see everything, surely for goodness sake the TMO [television match official] should be seeing these things?
"The system is flawed. Maybe they need some more investment and more experienced people doing these jobs.
"There's no accountability. We understand we have to have regulation and understand I can't say what I said, but there's got to be some accountability otherwise people keep making mistakes."
World Of Outlaws Late Models Land Real American Title Sponsor

CONCORD, N.C. Real American Beer is bringing its grit and glory attitude to the World of Outlaws Late Models this season and beyond as the Series new title sponsor, joined by DIRTVision as the presenting sponsor.
Co-founded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, Real American Beer has united with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and World Racing Group in a multi-year deal that will showcase the Real American brand to race fans across the country.
The company will also serve as the Official Beer of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Super DIRTcar Series, American Sprint Car Series and Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.
Select tracks will now carry Real American Beer, giving fans the chance to crack open 12-ounce and 24-ounce cans right at the heart of the action.
Real American Beer was built for the folks who pack the stands at World of Outlaws races, said Hulk Hogan, co-founder of Real American Beer. Were fired up to be part of something this big, at the heart of American racing.
One of the fastest-growing light beers in the U.S., Real American Beer is proudly American-owned and brewed. With 110 calories and 4g of carbs, its the legendary light beer people want to bring to race tracks, tailgates, and anywhere they raise a can with friends.
Real American Beer is already an official partner of WWE and Arena Football Onetwo American brands that share our love of loud crowds and real fans.
Hulk Hogan and Real American Beer share our passion of uniting a fanbase with a product everyone can enjoy, said Brian Carter, World Racing Group CEO. This is an exciting partnership not only for the World of Outlaws, but also the dirt racing community as we work together to enhance the race day experience for all fans and showcase what the World of Outlaws and Real American Beer have to offer to new fans. This includes their at-home experience when theyre watching every race live on DIRTVision.
DIRTVision is the premier dirt racing broadcast provider, providing live and exclusive coverage of every event for the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series, World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Super DIRTcar Series, American Sprint Car Series, Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota, 500 Sprint Car Tour and weekly racing from several tracks.
The World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models venture to 32 tracks across 16 states this season and will pay out a series-high points fund reaching more than $1 million.
This partnership goes beyond racingits about being present in the places that matter to our customers, said James Case, SVP of Partnerships at Real American Beer. The World of Outlaws is one of the most passionate communities in American sports. Its a natural fit for Real American Beer and a big step in our national expansion.
This partnership was made possible by Ginger Baker Rust, CEO of Rust Management Group, LLC.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. Things are getting heated thanks to Rinnai America Corp. Front Row Motorsports and its team partner, Long John Silvers, announce a new partnership with Rinnai America Corp. that will feature Todd Gilliland racing the No. 34 Rinnai Ford Mustang Dark Horse this summer at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Rinnai will also be a full season associate partner of Gilliland with Rinnai featured on Gillilands car and uniform.
Rinnais brand promise is Creating a healthier way of living which means partnering with our PROs to provide customers and businesses with the most efficient and high-quality comfort solutions in the market, said Frank Windsor, President of Rinnai. Our partnership with Front Row Motorsports and Todd Gilliland is a great opportunity for us to engage our customers and showcase Rinnai branded products.
In addition, Rinnai becomes the preferred commercial water heater of Long John Silvers restaurants across the country. Rinnai commercial tankless water tanks will be placed in new restaurants while also replacing aged water heaters.
This partnership combines our continued growth and success on the track and finding solutions to improve our capabilities within Long John Silvers, said Nate Fowler, Brand President, Long John Silvers. It is a perfect example of complementing our marketing power of Todd Gilliland and our No. 34 Ford Performance team and keeping our restaurants running as efficiently as possible thanks to Rinnai.
Rinnai is a leader in commercial tankless water heaters with proven performance and serviceability. They also provide solutions for professionals and residential customers, like Gilliland.
My house has been equipped with Rinnai since I have been here and I havent had any issues with hot water, said Gilliland. This is a cool partnership because its something that Im using every day and now they are helping us build on our race program.

CONCORD, N.C. Trackhouse Racing announced that Telcel-Infinitum will sponsor the No. 99 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Suárez in the inaugural June 15 NASCAR Cup Series race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course in Mexico City.
The event marks the first points-paying Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958, and for Suárez, its a homecoming to his native Mexico.
This, to me, is a dream come true, said Suárez, the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and only Mexican driver to win Cup Series races (Sonoma, 2022 and Atlanta, 2024).
Being born and raised in Mexico is very special to me. I have dreamed about racing in my home country every day since I left Mexico to chase my NASCAR dream in 2011. This race will be the highlight of my racing career. It is a chance to compete in front of my home country fans and those who have supported me all these years.
Suárez met with the media in Mexico City on Tuesday and unveiled the Chevrolet he will race in June.
I hope this event creates a lot of NASCAR fans in Mexico. We want to make this event permanent on the NASCAR calendar for many years.
The historic road course is 2.674 miles long, boasts 17 turns at an elevation of 7,342 feet. Built in 1959 and remodeled in 2015, the track honors Mexican racing brothers Ricardo Rodríguez and Pedro Rodríguez and has played host to eight Formula 1 races.
The track hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 2005-2008.

Its time for a new edition of SPEED SPORT Power Rankings. Who will be on top this week?
- Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson won NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Hes won in all three NASCAR national series this season and in the World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing sprint car series. He also won the Chili Bowl Nationals. Last Week: 6
- Alex Palou
Alex Palous two-race winning streak in the NTT IndyCar Series came to a halt when he finished second in Sundays Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Last Week-1
- Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlins two-race winning streak in the NASCAR Cup Series also ended with a second-place finish. Hamlin finished second to Larson Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Last Week: 2
- David Gravel
Reigning World of Outlaws champion David Gravel has five victories and 15 top-10 finishes in 15 races this season. Last Week: 3
- Oscar Piastri
McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri became the first driver in the series to win two races this season with a dominant performance in Sundays Bahrain Grand Prix. Last Week: Not Ranked.
- Greg Anderson
A two-time race winner this season, NHRA Pro Stock point leader Greg Anderson lost to Dallas Glenn in the final round Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last Week: 5
- Bobby Pierce
Dirt late model ace Bobby Pierce has won eight times this season, but he finished second in Saturdays Illini 100 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway. Last Week: 4
- Dallas Glenn
Dallas Glenn earned his second NHRA Pro Stock triumph of the season Sunday at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last Week: Not Ranked
- Cole Butcher
A two-time winner in ASA STARS National Tour competition this season, Cole Butcher had a victory and a second-place finish in two Southern Super Series races over the weekend. Last Week: 10
- Christopher Bell
A three-time NASCAR Cup Series victor this season, Christopher Bell finished eighth Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. He also has a World of Outlaws triumph this year. Last Week: 9
On The Move: Kyle Larson stormed to the top of the power rankings with a pair of victories, while Oscar Piastri entered the countdown for the first time.
What To Watch For?: The racing schedule is light for Easter weekend. What short-track racer can jump into the power rankings?
Dropped Out: Formula 1 point leader Lando Norris and dirt late model racer Devin Moran dropped out of the top 10.