The Atlanta Braves cut ties with struggling closer Bob Wickman on Friday, designating him for assignment. The move came a day after Wickman surrendered a game-winning two-run home run to the Reds’ Adam Dunn. Wickman is 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA and 20 saves in 26 chances. Manager Bobby Cox did not reveal his new closer, which could be one of several pitchers.
Buccaneers WR Boston arrested for DUI
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver David Boston was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after police found him passed out behind the wheel of a sport utility vehicle. The 29-year-old was found slumped over the steering wheel of a red Range Rover on Thursday evening, police said. The SUV was running and in drive.
Buccaneers QB Simms may play Saturday
The state preseason NFL championship will be at stake Saturday night when the Miami Dolphins face Tampa Bay, and that’s not all. Former Buccaneers starting quarterback Chris Simms may be playing for a spot on their roster — if he gets in the game. Other jobs will be on the line as well in the third of four exhibition games for both teams.
Kahne wins Busch Food City 250
Kahne passes Newman, holds off Leffler to win at Bristol
Kasey Kahne passed Ryan Newman with eight laps to go, then held off several charges from Jason Leffler to win the Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night.
New track surface draws rave reviews, but makes Bristol an unknown
Kurt Busch certainly knows his way around Bristol Motor Speedway, cruising to five victories since 2002.
Morneau ends HR drought, Twins top O’s
Justin Morneau ended a career-long home run drought and Jason Kubel homered and drove in three runs, sparking a late rally that carried Johan Santana and the Minnesota Twins past the Baltimore Orioles 7-4 on Friday night. Minnesota trailed 4-0 in the seventh inning before coming back to hand Baltimore its fourth straight loss.
Devil Rays end Oakland’s win streak at 5
James Shields carried a shutout into the ninth inning and Tampa Bay ended Oakland’s five-game winning streak, pounding the Athletics 12-2 Friday night. Shields (10-8) gave up nine hits and struck out eight, walking one and working out of jams in the third and sixth innings. The only runs he allowed came with one out in the ninth, when Dan Johnson hit a two-run homer to right.
Bears QB Grossman looks to bounce back
The Chicago Bears hoped scenes like this were a thing of the past. Instead, Rex Grossman struggled in the most recent preseason game and teammates rushed to his defense, just as they often did last season. Although the debate between fans over who should start at quarterback gained momentum this week, Grossman will get the call against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
Brees 17-of-19 for 182 as Saints rout KC
So what if it’s August and he’s missing his two top receivers and his starting left tackle? Drew Brees is already showing off his Pro Bowl form for the New Orleans Saints. The same cannot be said of the Kansas City Chiefs, whose murky quarterback picture was only muddied further Thursday night as Brodie Croyle struggled and a nearly perfect Brees led the Saints to a dominating 30-7 victory.
Brees 17-of-19 for 182 as Saints rout KC
So what if it’s August and he’s missing his two top receivers and his starting left tackle? Drew Brees is already showing off his Pro Bowl form for the New Orleans Saints. The same cannot be said of the Kansas City Chiefs, whose murky quarterback picture was only muddied further Thursday night as Brodie Croyle struggled and a nearly perfect Brees led the Saints to a dominating 30-7 victory.
Jets deal disgruntled G Kendall to Skins
After an unhappy training camp with the New York Jets, Pete Kendall got what he wanted: a new team and a new contract. The Washington Redskins acquired the veteran offensive lineman Thursday from the Jets in a trade, hoping he’ll fill a hole at left guard. New York will receive a fifth-round pick in 2008 or a fourth-rounder in 2009, depending on how many snaps Kendall plays this season.