TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas High School Activities Association posted the following statement on their website Thursday;

The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall. This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement today (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas High School Activities Association posted the following statement on their website Thursday;The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall. This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement today (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

KSHSAA to postpone announcement

The Royals continued building for the future, making a somewhat stunning trade with the Padres on Thursday night, acquiring power-hitting outfielder&nbsp;Franchy Cordero&nbsp;and power righty&nbsp;Ronald Bolaños&nbsp;for left-hander&nbsp;Tim Hill.

Hill, 30, had figured to be an important element to the back end of the Royals bullpen in 2020, utilizing his submarine-style delivery.

TRADE DETAILS Royals get:&nbsp;OF Franchy Cordero, RHP Ronald Bolaños Padres get:&nbsp;LHP Tim Hill

But the Royals and general manager Dayton Moore believe they have enough power and depth in the bullpen to manage without Hill. Left-handers Richard Lovelady, Gabe Speier and Randy Rosario will immediately try to step up and fill Hill’s role.

Hill’s unique submarine-style delivery often flustered opponents. He appeared in 116 games over the past two seasons. In 2019, Hill posted a 3.63 ERA in 46 games.

It wasn’t an easy decision to trade Hill, said Moore. Hill went on the 40-man roster for the first time prior to the 2018 season. Hill is a colon cancer survivor who also has Lynch syndrome, which makes him more susceptible to cancer.

But Hill told MLB.com repeatedly this offseason that he had no intentions of opting out.

“We’re just so thankful we had an opportunity to work with him and be a part of his life,” Moore said. “He’s going to do a great job with San Diego. We felt we had an opportunity to have a power arm who can move very quickly to the Major Leagues. [Bolaños] can be a starter or power arm out of the bullpen in the future. All the reports on him were very consistent. Analytics [department] liked him as well.

“First and foremost, Timmy Hill is one of the most celebrated players in our organization in a long time. I remember when we first called him to the Major Leagues, our whole organization was thrilled, just because of the person he was and all he’d been through.”

Cordero, a left-handed hitter who throws righty, has had huge upside, but his career has been derailed by injuries, from elbow to calf to quad injuries. In 2018, he slugged .439 with the Padres with seven home runs and five doubles in 40 games.

Three years ago at Triple-A, Cordero, 25, had 21 doubles, 18 triples and 17 home runs.

Both Cordero, 25, and Bolaños were immediately put on the Royals’ 40-man roster. To make room, with Hill leaving, the Royals placed third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez [sprained UCL] on the extended injured list [45 days] to create an open spot. The 40-man roster is full, with open spots likely needed for right-hander Greg Holland, super utility man Erick Mejia and possibly right-handers Tyler Zuber and Brady Singer.

Bolaños, 23, has been known to hit 100 mph on the radar gun, though he usually sits around 93-94. He was the Padres’ No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline. And last year at high Class A, he posted a 2.85 ERA in 10 outings.

It doesn’t seem likely that either Cordero or Bolaños will factor into the Royals’ decision on the 2020 30-man roster, meaning Cordero likely isn’t a threat to replace outfielders Bubba Starling or Brett Phillips on the 40-man. Both Phillips and Starling are out of options.

“We feel we have a pretty good idea where our 30-man roster is going to be going into Cleveland [for Opening Day on July 24],” Moore said.

But Moore continues to stockpile for the future, especially in the outfield, which at one point will lose Alex Gordon to retirement.

“With the pending free agents for the future,” Moore said, “and while we’re very encouraged with [prospects Seuly] Matias and Khalil Lee and [Kyle] Isbell, we felt to add a guy like Cordero for our future made a lot sense.

“Cordero is one of the most tooled players you’ll see. He has tremendous makeup. Unfortunately, the last two years he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. But he is still very young. We’re building depth for our future. To get our hands on him is great for our future.”

Giving up Hill, and his unique look as basically a submarining lefty, isn’t lost on Moore in terms of bullpen construction. But Moore felt the Royals have enough depth from the left side to cover the loss of Hill.

“The improvement we’ve made in our bullpen, the power in our bullpen, has changed things,” Moore said. "The role for Tim would have been different going forward.

“You never have enough depth. But we feel like we have some left-handed depth.”

The Royals continued building for the future, making a somewhat stunning trade with the Padres on Thursday night, acquiring power-hitting outfielder&nbsp;Franchy Cordero&nbsp;and power righty&nbsp;Ronald Bolaños&nbsp;for left-hander&nbsp;Tim Hill.Hill, 30, had figured to be an important element to the back end of the Royals bullpen in 2020, utilizing his submarine-style delivery.TRADE DETAILS Royals get:&nbsp;OF Franchy Cordero, RHP Ronald Bolaños Padres get:&nbsp;LHP Tim HillBut the Royals and general manager Dayton Moore believe they have enough power and depth in the bullpen to manage without Hill. Left-handers Richard Lovelady, Gabe Speier and Randy Rosario will immediately try to step up and fill Hill’s role.Hill’s unique submarine-style delivery often flustered opponents. He appeared in 116 games over the past two seasons. In 2019, Hill posted a 3.63 ERA in 46 games.It wasn’t an easy decision to trade Hill, said Moore. Hill went on the 40-man roster for the first time prior to the 2018 season. Hill is a colon cancer survivor who also has Lynch syndrome, which makes him more susceptible to cancer.But Hill told MLB.com repeatedly this offseason that he had no intentions of opting out.“We’re just so thankful we had an opportunity to work with him and be a part of his life,” Moore said. “He’s going to do a great job with San Diego. We felt we had an opportunity to have a power arm who can move very quickly to the Major Leagues. [Bolaños] can be a starter or power arm out of the bullpen in the future. All the reports on him were very consistent. Analytics [department] liked him as well.“First and foremost, Timmy Hill is one of the most celebrated players in our organization in a long time. I remember when we first called him to the Major Leagues, our whole organization was thrilled, just because of the person he was and all he’d been through.”Cordero, a left-handed hitter who throws righty, has had huge upside, but his career has been derailed by injuries, from elbow to calf to quad injuries. In 2018, he slugged .439 with the Padres with seven home runs and five doubles in 40 games.Three years ago at Triple-A, Cordero, 25, had 21 doubles, 18 triples and 17 home runs.“A phenomenal athlete,” Moore said.Both Cordero, 25, and Bolaños were immediately put on the Royals’ 40-man roster. To make room, with Hill leaving, the Royals placed third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez [sprained UCL] on the extended injured list [45 days] to create an open spot. The 40-man roster is full, with open spots likely needed for right-hander Greg Holland, super utility man Erick Mejia and possibly right-handers Tyler Zuber and Brady Singer.Bolaños, 23, has been known to hit 100 mph on the radar gun, though he usually sits around 93-94. He was the Padres’ No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline. And last year at high Class A, he posted a 2.85 ERA in 10 outings.<h2>Ronald Bolaños gets out of a jam</h2>It doesn’t seem likely that either Cordero or Bolaños will factor into the Royals’ decision on the 2020 30-man roster, meaning Cordero likely isn’t a threat to replace outfielders Bubba Starling or Brett Phillips on the 40-man. Both Phillips and Starling are out of options.“We feel we have a pretty good idea where our 30-man roster is going to be going into Cleveland [for Opening Day on July 24],” Moore said.But Moore continues to stockpile for the future, especially in the outfield, which at one point will lose Alex Gordon to retirement.“With the pending free agents for the future,” Moore said, “and while we’re very encouraged with [prospects Seuly] Matias and Khalil Lee and [Kyle] Isbell, we felt to add a guy like Cordero for our future made a lot sense.“Cordero is one of the most tooled players you’ll see. He has tremendous makeup. Unfortunately, the last two years he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. But he is still very young. We’re building depth for our future. To get our hands on him is great for our future.”Giving up Hill, and his unique look as basically a submarining lefty, isn’t lost on Moore in terms of bullpen construction. But Moore felt the Royals have enough depth from the left side to cover the loss of Hill.“The improvement we’ve made in our bullpen, the power in our bullpen, has changed things,” Moore said. "The role for Tim would have been different going forward.“You never have enough depth. But we feel like we have some left-handed depth.”

Royals land slugging OF Cordero from San Diego

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — Jordan Burroughs, the face of U.S. wrestling for nearly a decade, plans to compete another four years with the hope of finishing his career at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Burroughs laid out his future in a statement, saying he will leave his longtime training headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and join the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia as a resident athlete in September 2021. Burroughs competed as a collegian at Nebraska and has trained under coach Mark Manning the past 14 years.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball player CJ Fredrick is expected to be ready for preseason practices after having surgery on his right foot. The school says Fredrick had a screw inserted to alleviate a stress fracture. He is expected to recover within six weeks. Fredrick says the timing for the surgery was ideal and that he'll be able to play pain free. He started all 25 games as a freshman last season. He led the Big Ten in 3-point percentage and averaged 10 points per game.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Eli Drinkwitz has been the head coach at Missouri for just over seven months, yet he already has taken a leadership role in the community. First, it was supporting his new players as they pushed for equality amid the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, it is encouraging folks to wear masks when they are out in public, which health experts insist is among the best ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus — even though, much like social justice, it has become a highly politicized issue.

Titans, Henry work out new contract...Prescott remains tagged

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL's reigning rushing leader has a new contract. The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback does not.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a new contract with Derrick Henry just before today's deadline. The team announced only that it was a multi-year extension, but ESPN.com says it's a four-year package worth up to $50 million with $25.5 million guaranteed. 

The Titans had to sign him Wednesday or let him play this season under the $10.2 million franchise tag he signed April 2.

Henry ran for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2019 regular season before pouring it on in the playoffs, averaging 149 yards in three games.

Dak Prescott is set to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag after failing to work out a deal with the Cowboys before the Wednesday afternoon deadline.

The two sides have been working for more than a year on a long-term contract for a two-time Pro Bowler who has started every game of his career.

Prescott signed his $31.4 million contract in June. The 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year earned slightly more than $4 million total in the four years of his rookie contract after being drafted in the fourth round.

Kansas City defensive end Chris Jones worked out a pact before the deadline. He and Henry are the only players to sign a new deal among the 14 players who received a franchise tag.

— Browns defensive end Myles Garrett's has signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension on Wednesday, making the talented edge rusher the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. Garrett received a six-game suspension last season after ripping a helmet off of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and striking him in the head with it.

— Philadelphia officials have clarified their ban on public events, opening up the possibility the Eagles would be allowed to have fans in the stadium if the city changes its rules before or during the season, assuming the NFL plays games this season. The city on Tuesday banned all large public events that require public permits through February 2021. Teams will be permitted to play without fans in Philadelphia.

— The Denver Broncos are telling season ticket holders that Empower Field at Mile High won't be at full capacity this season because of the coronavirus outbreak. Face masks will be required if local officials allow a limited number of fans to attend games to maintain social distancing.

— The Green Bay Packers say they won't admit fans to any training camp practices or preseason home games due to the pandemic. This also applies to the annual Packers Family Night, an annual event that features a practice and other activities.

— A domestic violence complaint against former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Blair Brown has been dismissed. According to the complaint filed in May 2019, Brown pointed a gun at his wife and threatened to kill her. He also was accused of pushing her to the ground, kicking her in the abdomen and punching her in the face after a verbal altercation in April 2019.

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets are breathing a sigh of relief after learning their top pitcher should be fine.

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that an MRI on two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom showed nothing to be concerned about. DeGrom was examined after leaving Tuesday's intrasquad start after just one inning because of a sore back.

Any significant injury to deGrom would be an enormous blow to New York during a season shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus. The right-hander had been scheduled to start on opening day July 24 against Atlanta. 

The Mets are spending the season without No. 2 starter Noah Syndergaard (SIHN'-dur-gahrd) due to Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross says it's too early to talk about first baseman Anthony Rizzo starting the season on the injured list. An MRI on Tuesday showed rib-head inflammation on Rizzo's left side that is causing spasms, a condition he has dealt with before in his career.

— Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge homered in an intrasquad game Wednesday after missing five days due to a stiff neck. The team also says right-hander Masahiro (mah-sah-HEE'-roh) Tanaka is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday, his first action since he was struck on the head by a liner off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton on July 4.

— Astros manager Dusty Baker doesn't expect reliever Joe Smith to play for them this season. Smith has not reported to camp because of what general manager James Click called concerns for the safety of his family. Smith was placed on the restricted list Tuesday night, but he has not said publicly if he is opting out of the season

— The Red Sox have placed left-handers Eduardo Rodríguez, Josh Taylor, and Darwinzon Hernandez on the injured list while they recover from COVID-19. Rodríguez won 19 games last year and had been the team's likely opening day starter. The pitchers are eligible to be activated as soon as they have cleared the protocol, but they have not been able to participate in team workouts and would need time to prepare for the season.

— Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun is expected to miss the start of the season because of a hip strain. Calhoun has been ready to play again after recovering from a broken jaw sustained in a spring training game more than four months ago. 

Oladipo rethinking decision to sit out rest of season

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) is having second thoughts about calling it a season, saying the workouts in Orlando, Florida, have forced him to rethink his decision. Oladipo said less than two weeks ago that he would sit out because of concerns over his surgically repaired right knee. His presence could give the Pacers a big boost when the season resumes, especially with starting guard Malcolm Brogdon also expected to be healthy.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Chase Elliott has joined his father as winner of NASCAR's annual All-Star race, earning the $1 million prize in front of limited spectators at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Elliott won the second and third stages of the event and earned the right to choose which lane he wanted to restart for the final 15-lap sprint to the finish. He picked the outside lane and pulled buddy Ryan Blaney with him on the restart but was never challenged before beating Kyle Busch to the finish line.

Bill Elliott won the race in 1986, the only year it was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Bubba Wallace was wrecked out of the qualifying race, ruining his shot of racing for the $1 million prize.

One driver advanced into the All-Star race through a fan vote and Wallace had been leading when results were last updated by NASCAR a week ago. But he was no longer eligible to win the fan vote after he crashed 17 laps into Wednesday night's qualifying race 

Clint Bowyer was named winner of the fan vote.

Michigan to allow fewer fans, or none at all

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan says fewer fans, if any, will attend games at "The Big House" if the Wolverines play college football games this year.

The athletic department says a final decision will be made after conferring with medical experts, the school's leadership and the Big Ten Conference, along with government officials and agencies.

Michigan's policies include the elimination of season tickets for the 2020 season. 

Tennessee reports multiple positives among athletes

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers report multiple positive results for COVID-19 after the university ran a batch of tests last week.

The tests were conducted after the Fourth of July holiday weekend. A spokesman confirmed Wednesday that the positive tests spanned "multiple sports."

Tennessee previously had two basketball players test positive, with both clearing quarantine. 

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin plans to have its sports teams wear a university crest logo with a black "W" to show solidarity with Black and other underrepresented communities on campus.

School officials said the change would take effect whenever Wisconsin sports teams return to action. They said the black "W" is meant to show support, inclusion and unity from Wisconsin athletes, the athletic department and the university as a whole.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has announced the finalists for the Jack Adams Award and the Calder Trophy. Columbus' John Tortorella, Philadelphia's Alain Vigneault (VEEN'-yoh) and Boston's Bruce Cassidy are up for the Adams Award, which goes to the Coach of the Year. Colorado's Cale Makar (mah-KAHR'), Vancouver's Quinn Hughes and Chicago's Dominik Kubalik (koo-BAH'-lihk) are the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie. 

Delle Donne hurt that request denied by panel of doctors

NEW YORK (AP) — WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne is hurt that her request was denied to be medically excused for the season. 

The panel of independent doctors the league and union agreed upon to decide whether players should be medically excused deemed her not to be "high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble." 

The league's reigning MVP has battled Lyme disease since 2008 and thought she would be medically excused from playing this season by the panel. 

LONDON (AP) — FIFA (FEE'-fuh) has announced a 2022 World Cup schedule that will have four games every day in a 12-day group stage. Matches later in the tournament that go into extra time will extend past midnight in Qatar. Eight venues in close proximity to Doha will be used at the tournament, which will be played in 28 days rather than the 32 days used in Russia to minimize the disruption to the European season. 

Triple-Crown-winning trainer gets 15-day ban

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended for 15 days by the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for a banned substance. Baffert-trained horses Charlatan and Gamine each tested positive for lidocaine in two rounds of testing after winning races at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track on May 2. The commission said the suspension will run from Aug. 1 -15. 

Former NFL and USC player David Lewis dies at 65

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1979 team that reached the NFC title game has died at 65. 

David Lewis died in Tampa. The cause was not immediately known but USC said he had struggled with health issues in recent years. Lewis played college ball at USC. 

He was also among the defensive stars on the 1979 Buccaneers team that reached the NFC title game, capping the franchise's "worst to first" transformation. The Bucs won 10 games that year after having won just seven in the franchise's previous three seasons.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>UNDATED (AP) — Jordan Burroughs, the face of U.S. wrestling for nearly a decade, plans to compete another four years with the hope of finishing his career at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Burroughs laid out his future in a statement, saying he will leave his longtime training headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and join the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia as a resident athlete in September 2021. Burroughs competed as a collegian at Nebraska and has trained under coach Mark Manning the past 14 years.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa basketball player CJ Fredrick is expected to be ready for preseason practices after having surgery on his right foot. The school says Fredrick had a screw inserted to alleviate a stress fracture. He is expected to recover within six weeks. Fredrick says the timing for the surgery was ideal and that he'll be able to play pain free. He started all 25 games as a freshman last season. He led the Big Ten in 3-point percentage and averaged 10 points per game.COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Eli Drinkwitz has been the head coach at Missouri for just over seven months, yet he already has taken a leadership role in the community. First, it was supporting his new players as they pushed for equality amid the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, it is encouraging folks to wear masks when they are out in public, which health experts insist is among the best ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus — even though, much like social justice, it has become a highly politicized issue.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NFL-NEWSTitans, Henry work out new contract...Prescott remains taggedUNDATED (AP) — The NFL's reigning rushing leader has a new contract. The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback does not.The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a new contract with Derrick Henry just before today's deadline. The team announced only that it was a multi-year extension, but ESPN.com says it's a four-year package worth up to $50 million with $25.5 million guaranteed. The Titans had to sign him Wednesday or let him play this season under the $10.2 million franchise tag he signed April 2.Henry ran for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2019 regular season before pouring it on in the playoffs, averaging 149 yards in three games.Dak Prescott is set to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag after failing to work out a deal with the Cowboys before the Wednesday afternoon deadline.The two sides have been working for more than a year on a long-term contract for a two-time Pro Bowler who has started every game of his career.Prescott signed his $31.4 million contract in June. The 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year earned slightly more than $4 million total in the four years of his rookie contract after being drafted in the fourth round.Kansas City defensive end Chris Jones worked out a pact before the deadline. He and Henry are the only players to sign a new deal among the 14 players who received a franchise tag.Elsewhere in the NFL:— Browns defensive end Myles Garrett's has signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension on Wednesday, making the talented edge rusher the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. Garrett received a six-game suspension last season after ripping a helmet off of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and striking him in the head with it.— Philadelphia officials have clarified their ban on public events, opening up the possibility the Eagles would be allowed to have fans in the stadium if the city changes its rules before or during the season, assuming the NFL plays games this season. The city on Tuesday banned all large public events that require public permits through February 2021. Teams will be permitted to play without fans in Philadelphia.— The Denver Broncos are telling season ticket holders that Empower Field at Mile High won't be at full capacity this season because of the coronavirus outbreak. Face masks will be required if local officials allow a limited number of fans to attend games to maintain social distancing.— The Green Bay Packers say they won't admit fans to any training camp practices or preseason home games due to the pandemic. This also applies to the annual Packers Family Night, an annual event that features a practice and other activities.— A domestic violence complaint against former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Blair Brown has been dismissed. According to the complaint filed in May 2019, Brown pointed a gun at his wife and threatened to kill her. He also was accused of pushing her to the ground, kicking her in the abdomen and punching her in the face after a verbal altercation in April 2019.MLB-NEWSDeGrom, Rizzo dealing with back issues.UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets are breathing a sigh of relief after learning their top pitcher should be fine.A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that an MRI on two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom showed nothing to be concerned about. DeGrom was examined after leaving Tuesday's intrasquad start after just one inning because of a sore back.Any significant injury to deGrom would be an enormous blow to New York during a season shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus. The right-hander had been scheduled to start on opening day July 24 against Atlanta. The Mets are spending the season without No. 2 starter Noah Syndergaard (SIHN'-dur-gahrd) due to Tommy John surgery.Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross says it's too early to talk about first baseman Anthony Rizzo starting the season on the injured list. An MRI on Tuesday showed rib-head inflammation on Rizzo's left side that is causing spasms, a condition he has dealt with before in his career.In other MLB camp news:— Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge homered in an intrasquad game Wednesday after missing five days due to a stiff neck. The team also says right-hander Masahiro (mah-sah-HEE'-roh) Tanaka is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday, his first action since he was struck on the head by a liner off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton on July 4.— Astros manager Dusty Baker doesn't expect reliever Joe Smith to play for them this season. Smith has not reported to camp because of what general manager James Click called concerns for the safety of his family. Smith was placed on the restricted list Tuesday night, but he has not said publicly if he is opting out of the season— The Red Sox have placed left-handers Eduardo Rodríguez, Josh Taylor, and Darwinzon Hernandez on the injured list while they recover from COVID-19. Rodríguez won 19 games last year and had been the team's likely opening day starter. The pitchers are eligible to be activated as soon as they have cleared the protocol, but they have not been able to participate in team workouts and would need time to prepare for the season.— Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun is expected to miss the start of the season because of a hip strain. Calhoun has been ready to play again after recovering from a broken jaw sustained in a spring training game more than four months ago. NBA-PACERS-OLADIPOOladipo rethinking decision to sit out rest of seasonORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) is having second thoughts about calling it a season, saying the workouts in Orlando, Florida, have forced him to rethink his decision. Oladipo said less than two weeks ago that he would sit out because of concerns over his surgically repaired right knee. His presence could give the Pacers a big boost when the season resumes, especially with starting guard Malcolm Brogdon also expected to be healthy.NASCAR-ALL-STAR RACEWallace bumped from contentionBRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Chase Elliott has joined his father as winner of NASCAR's annual All-Star race, earning the $1 million prize in front of limited spectators at Bristol Motor Speedway.Elliott won the second and third stages of the event and earned the right to choose which lane he wanted to restart for the final 15-lap sprint to the finish. He picked the outside lane and pulled buddy Ryan Blaney with him on the restart but was never challenged before beating Kyle Busch to the finish line.Bill Elliott won the race in 1986, the only year it was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway.Bubba Wallace was wrecked out of the qualifying race, ruining his shot of racing for the $1 million prize.One driver advanced into the All-Star race through a fan vote and Wallace had been leading when results were last updated by NASCAR a week ago. But he was no longer eligible to win the fan vote after he crashed 17 laps into Wednesday night's qualifying race Clint Bowyer was named winner of the fan vote.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-MICHIGANMichigan to allow fewer fans, or none at allANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan says fewer fans, if any, will attend games at "The Big House" if the Wolverines play college football games this year.The athletic department says a final decision will be made after conferring with medical experts, the school's leadership and the Big Ten Conference, along with government officials and agencies.Michigan's policies include the elimination of season tickets for the 2020 season. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TENNESSEETennessee reports multiple positives among athletesKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers report multiple positive results for COVID-19 after the university ran a batch of tests last week.The tests were conducted after the Fourth of July holiday weekend. A spokesman confirmed Wednesday that the positive tests spanned "multiple sports."Tennessee previously had two basketball players test positive, with both clearing quarantine. COLLEGE SPORTS-WISCONSINWisconsin to don black "W"MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin plans to have its sports teams wear a university crest logo with a black "W" to show solidarity with Black and other underrepresented communities on campus.School officials said the change would take effect whenever Wisconsin sports teams return to action. They said the black "W" is meant to show support, inclusion and unity from Wisconsin athletes, the athletic department and the university as a whole.NHL-AWARDSAdams, Calder finalists announcedNEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has announced the finalists for the Jack Adams Award and the Calder Trophy. Columbus' John Tortorella, Philadelphia's Alain Vigneault (VEEN'-yoh) and Boston's Bruce Cassidy are up for the Adams Award, which goes to the Coach of the Year. Colorado's Cale Makar (mah-KAHR'), Vancouver's Quinn Hughes and Chicago's Dominik Kubalik (koo-BAH'-lihk) are the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie. WNBA-DELLA DONNE-VIRUS OUTBREAKDelle Donne hurt that request denied by panel of doctorsNEW YORK (AP) — WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne is hurt that her request was denied to be medically excused for the season. The panel of independent doctors the league and union agreed upon to decide whether players should be medically excused deemed her not to be "high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble." The league's reigning MVP has battled Lyme disease since 2008 and thought she would be medically excused from playing this season by the panel. SOCCER-WORLD CUPWorld Cup schedule announcedLONDON (AP) — FIFA (FEE'-fuh) has announced a 2022 World Cup schedule that will have four games every day in a 12-day group stage. Matches later in the tournament that go into extra time will extend past midnight in Qatar. Eight venues in close proximity to Doha will be used at the tournament, which will be played in 28 days rather than the 32 days used in Russia to minimize the disruption to the European season. HORSE RACING-BAFFERT SUSPENDEDTriple-Crown-winning trainer gets 15-day banLOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended for 15 days by the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for a banned substance. Baffert-trained horses Charlatan and Gamine each tested positive for lidocaine in two rounds of testing after winning races at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track on May 2. The commission said the suspension will run from Aug. 1 -15. NFL-OBIT-DAVID LEWISFormer NFL and USC player David Lewis dies at 65TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1979 team that reached the NFC title game has died at 65. David Lewis died in Tampa. The cause was not immediately known but USC said he had struggled with health issues in recent years. Lewis played college ball at USC. He was also among the defensive stars on the 1979 Buccaneers team that reached the NFC title game, capping the franchise's "worst to first" transformation. The Bucs won 10 games that year after having won just seven in the franchise's previous three seasons.

Thursday Sports Headlines

MULVANE, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs (19-4) took the lead late in the game in a 5-3 victory over Mulvane Patriots in Mulvane on Wednesday night. The game was tied at three with Monarchs batting in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;Austin Callahan&nbsp;homered on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aaron Haase&nbsp;was credited with the victory for&nbsp;Hutchinson. He lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out nine and walking zero.&nbsp;Ryne Schooley&nbsp;threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Liam Eddy&nbsp;started the game for&nbsp;Hutchinson. He allowed 7 hits and 2 runs over 5 innings, striking out 3 and walking none.

Clayton Chadwick&nbsp;and Callahan both hit home runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; The Monarchs&nbsp;had 7 hits in the game.&nbsp;Scott Wolverton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Mackenzie&nbsp;each collected multiple hits for&nbsp;Hutchinson.&nbsp;Mackenzie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wolverton&nbsp;each managed two hits to lead&nbsp;Hutch in hitting.

Both teams match up again tonight in Mulvane with the first pitch at 7 pm.

MULVANE, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs (19-4) took the lead late in the game in a 5-3 victory over Mulvane Patriots in Mulvane on Wednesday night. The game was tied at three with Monarchs batting in the top of the seventh when&nbsp;Austin Callahan&nbsp;homered on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron Haase&nbsp;was credited with the victory for&nbsp;Hutchinson. He lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out nine and walking zero.&nbsp;Ryne Schooley&nbsp;threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.Liam Eddy&nbsp;started the game for&nbsp;Hutchinson. He allowed 7 hits and 2 runs over 5 innings, striking out 3 and walking none.Clayton Chadwick&nbsp;and Callahan both hit home runs in the seventh inning.&nbsp; The Monarchs&nbsp;had 7 hits in the game.&nbsp;Scott Wolverton&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Mackenzie&nbsp;each collected multiple hits for&nbsp;Hutchinson.&nbsp;Mackenzie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wolverton&nbsp;each managed two hits to lead&nbsp;Hutch in hitting.Both teams match up again tonight in Mulvane with the first pitch at 7 pm.

Hutch Monarchs rally to edge Mulvane in the late innings

For millions of college football fans, couch potato Saturdays begin with ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put this season in peril, but if it can be salvaged, so too will the sport’s most popular pregame show.

“If there is college football there will be ‘College GameDay.’ Period,” said ESPN’s Lee Fitting, who oversees all the network’s college studio shows and remote programs.&nbsp;

“GameDay” just won’t look like the traveling circus fans have grown accustomed to over almost three decades, broadcasting from the site of a big game in front of thousands of pumped-up, signing-waving fans. Lee Corso’s signature selection at the end of the show could end up being done from his home in central Florida, with the 84-year-old former coach donning a baseball cap instead of a mascot head.

“We’re still determining what ‘GameDay’ would look like this season and, frankly, it could be different every week what it looks like,” Fitting told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “It could be potentially on the sidelines of an early game. It could be on the concourse in a stadium. It could even still be on campus.

“Will there be thousands of fans behind our set screaming like we’ve known it the last however many years?” Fitting said. “Absolutely not.”

Fitting conceded the show could even originate from a studio in Bristol, Connecticut, for the first time since the week college football returned after the 9/11 attacks.

“I don’t think we can ever rule that out. That’s not our first option,” Fitting said. “But our first priority is the health and safety of everyone we work alongside.”

Most notable when it comes to health and safety is Corso, whose role in the show has shrunk in recent years. Still, his quips and bursts of energy are an essential part of its chemistry. Corso is the longest-tenured member of the show’s core on-air team, which also includes host Rece Davis and analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.

Fitting said he “absolutely” expects Corso, who recovered from a stroke in May 2009 to return to “GameDay” that season, to be part of the show for a 33rd year.

“We’re not going to be put him, obviously, in harm’s way. Nor does he want that. And if that means we get to the point where there’s a camera at his house, that’s what we do,” Fitting said.

He also added: “Our goal is to have all our people in one spot.”

There have been reports ESPN is considering using Herbstreit as an NFL analyst for “Monday Night Football” this season. Fitting would not comment on that but said he fully expects Herbstreit’s role with “GameDay” and as game analyst on “Saturday Night Football” to be unchanged.

Normally, “GameDay” has about 100 people working on site, many of whom have been flown in.&nbsp;

“That’s not realistic in these times,” Fitting said.&nbsp;

Nor is it necessary if “GameDay” scales back its production and the show is done with very limited or no fans around the set.

A potential complication for having the show in studio is travel restrictions on people entering Connecticut, where ESPN is based. Currently, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are requiring people coming from certain coronavirus hotspot states to self-quarantine for 14 days. Hebstreit lives in Tennessee; Howard lives in Florida; analyst David Pollack lives in Georgia. All those states are currently on the restricted list, though a lot can change in a few months.

Davis, entering his fifth season as “GameDay” host, led ABC’s coverage of the NFL draft earlier this year. That was a massive endeavor with numerous analysts being connected remotely.&nbsp;

Davis said recreating the authenticity of “GameDay” would be challenging if the cast is not physically together.

“The type of show we do with nonverbal and glances and raising a finger or a quizzical look or glancing over at Bear (stat man Chris Fallica) has become such a big part of our discussion. We’re going to have to find a way to make sure that we still are able to incorporate those things,” Davis said. “It won’t be as easy.”

One “GameDay” institution fans can expect to see if the show is on location: That Washington State flag flying in the background.

“The streak will live on!” said CJ McCoy, one of the network of Washington State alumni responsible for getting Ol’ Crimson to the “GameDay” site each week.

“GameDay” prides itself on being able to mobilize a small army on short notice from week to week, chasing college football’s best games and most intriguing stories. This season — if there is a season — those skills will be tested like never before.

“We’re going to have to be as nimble and flexible and smart as we’ve ever been,” Fitting said.

For millions of college football fans, couch potato Saturdays begin with ESPN’s “College GameDay.”The COVID-19 pandemic has put this season in peril, but if it can be salvaged, so too will the sport’s most popular pregame show.“If there is college football there will be ‘College GameDay.’ Period,” said ESPN’s Lee Fitting, who oversees all the network’s college studio shows and remote programs.&nbsp;“GameDay” just won’t look like the traveling circus fans have grown accustomed to over almost three decades, broadcasting from the site of a big game in front of thousands of pumped-up, signing-waving fans. Lee Corso’s signature selection at the end of the show could end up being done from his home in central Florida, with the 84-year-old former coach donning a baseball cap instead of a mascot head.“We’re still determining what ‘GameDay’ would look like this season and, frankly, it could be different every week what it looks like,” Fitting told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “It could be potentially on the sidelines of an early game. It could be on the concourse in a stadium. It could even still be on campus.“Will there be thousands of fans behind our set screaming like we’ve known it the last however many years?” Fitting said. “Absolutely not.”Fitting conceded the show could even originate from a studio in Bristol, Connecticut, for the first time since the week college football returned after the 9/11 attacks.“I don’t think we can ever rule that out. That’s not our first option,” Fitting said. “But our first priority is the health and safety of everyone we work alongside.”Most notable when it comes to health and safety is Corso, whose role in the show has shrunk in recent years. Still, his quips and bursts of energy are an essential part of its chemistry. Corso is the longest-tenured member of the show’s core on-air team, which also includes host Rece Davis and analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.Fitting said he “absolutely” expects Corso, who recovered from a stroke in May 2009 to return to “GameDay” that season, to be part of the show for a 33rd year.How? Don’t know yet, Fitting said.“We’re not going to be put him, obviously, in harm’s way. Nor does he want that. And if that means we get to the point where there’s a camera at his house, that’s what we do,” Fitting said.He also added: “Our goal is to have all our people in one spot.”There have been reports ESPN is considering using Herbstreit as an NFL analyst for “Monday Night Football” this season. Fitting would not comment on that but said he fully expects Herbstreit’s role with “GameDay” and as game analyst on “Saturday Night Football” to be unchanged.Normally, “GameDay” has about 100 people working on site, many of whom have been flown in.&nbsp;“That’s not realistic in these times,” Fitting said.&nbsp;Nor is it necessary if “GameDay” scales back its production and the show is done with very limited or no fans around the set.A potential complication for having the show in studio is travel restrictions on people entering Connecticut, where ESPN is based. Currently, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are requiring people coming from certain coronavirus hotspot states to self-quarantine for 14 days. Hebstreit lives in Tennessee; Howard lives in Florida; analyst David Pollack lives in Georgia. All those states are currently on the restricted list, though a lot can change in a few months.Davis, entering his fifth season as “GameDay” host, led ABC’s coverage of the NFL draft earlier this year. That was a massive endeavor with numerous analysts being connected remotely.&nbsp;Davis said recreating the authenticity of “GameDay” would be challenging if the cast is not physically together.“The type of show we do with nonverbal and glances and raising a finger or a quizzical look or glancing over at Bear (stat man Chris Fallica) has become such a big part of our discussion. We’re going to have to find a way to make sure that we still are able to incorporate those things,” Davis said. “It won’t be as easy.”One “GameDay” institution fans can expect to see if the show is on location: That Washington State flag flying in the background.“The streak will live on!” said CJ McCoy, one of the network of Washington State alumni responsible for getting Ol’ Crimson to the “GameDay” site each week.“GameDay” prides itself on being able to mobilize a small army on short notice from week to week, chasing college football’s best games and most intriguing stories. This season — if there is a season — those skills will be tested like never before.“We’re going to have to be as nimble and flexible and smart as we’ve ever been,” Fitting said.

ESPN considers how to make ‘GameDay’ work during pandemic

IRVING, Tx. -&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference is rescheduling its 2020 Virtual Football Media Days presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors to Monday, August 3. “As everyone is aware, our head coaches and student-athletes have not been able to collectively engage in organized team functions since athletics activities were suspended in March. We felt it was prudent to give coaches a chance to re-acclimate with their teams prior to participating in our annual season preview event,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. A revised version of the original July 20-21 media day schedule will be available in the coming days.

IRVING, Tx. -&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference is rescheduling its 2020 Virtual Football Media Days presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors to Monday, August 3. “As everyone is aware, our head coaches and student-athletes have not been able to collectively engage in organized team functions since athletics activities were suspended in March. We felt it was prudent to give coaches a chance to re-acclimate with their teams prior to participating in our annual season preview event,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. A revised version of the original July 20-21 media day schedule will be available in the coming days.

Big 12 Football Media Days Rescheduled

UNDATED (AP) — A pair of National League All-Stars are dealing with back issues with just over a week before the start of the truncated season.

The New York Mets are awaiting MRI results on two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom , who left Tuesday's intrasquad game because of back tightness. Any significant injury to the two-time Cy Young Award winner would be an enormous blow to New York during a season shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus. The right-hander had been scheduled to start on opening day July 24 against Atlanta, but that appears in jeopardy now. 

<h2>Update on the latest sports: 5:30 pm CDT</h2>NFL-NEWSTitans, Henry work out new contract...Prescott remains taggedUNDATED (AP) — The NFL's reigning rushing leader has a new contract. The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback does not.The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a new contract with Derrick Henry just before today's deadline. The team announced only that it was a multi-year extension, but ESPN.com says it's a four-year package worth up to $50 million with $25.5 million guaranteed. The Titans had to sign him Wednesday or let him play this season under the $10.2 million franchise tag he signed April 2.Henry ran for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2019 regular season before pouring it on in the playoffs, averaging 149 yards in three games.Dak Prescott is set to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag after failing to work out a deal with the Cowboys before the Wednesday afternoon deadline.The two sides have been working for more than a year on a long-term contract for a two-time Pro Bowler who has started every game of his career.Prescott signed his $31.4 million contract in June. The 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year earned slightly more than $4 million total in the four years of his rookie contract after being drafted in the fourth round.Kansas City defensive end Chris Jones worked out a pact before the deadline. He and Henry are the only players to sign a new deal among the 14 players who received a franchise tag.Elsewhere in the NFL:— Browns defensive end Myles Garrett's has signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension on Wednesday, making the talented edge rusher the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. Garrett received a six-game suspension last season after ripping a helmet off of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and striking him in the head with it.— Philadelphia officials have clarified their ban on public events, opening up the possibility the Eagles would be allowed to have fans in the stadium if the city changes its rules before or during the season, assuming the NFL plays games this season. The city on Tuesday banned all large public events that require public permits through February 2021. Teams will be permitted to play without fans in Philadelphia.— The Denver Broncos are telling season ticket holders that Empower Field at Mile High won't be at full capacity this season because of the coronavirus outbreak. Face masks will be required if local officials allow a limited number of fans to attend games to maintain social distancing.— The Green Bay Packers say they won't admit fans to any training camp practices or preseason home games due to the pandemic. This also applies to the annual Packers Family Night, an annual event that features a practice and other activities.— A domestic violence complaint against former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Blair Brown has been dismissed. According to the complaint filed in May 2019, Brown pointed a gun at his wife and threatened to kill her. He also was accused of pushing her to the ground, kicking her in the abdomen and punching her in the face after a verbal altercation in April 2019.MLB-NEWSDeGrom, Rizzo dealing with back issues.UNDATED (AP) — A pair of National League All-Stars are dealing with back issues with just over a week before the start of the truncated season.The New York Mets are awaiting MRI results on two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom , who left Tuesday's intrasquad game because of back tightness. Any significant injury to the two-time Cy Young Award winner would be an enormous blow to New York during a season shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus. The right-hander had been scheduled to start on opening day July 24 against Atlanta, but that appears in jeopardy now. The Mets are spending the season without No. 2 starter Noah Syndergaard (SIHN'-dur-gahrd) due to Tommy John surgery.Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross says it's too early to talk about first baseman Anthony Rizzo starting the season on the injured list. An MRI on Tuesday showed rib-head inflammation on Rizzo's left side that is causing spasms, a condition he has dealt with before in his career.In other MLB camp news:— Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge homered in an intrasquad game Wednesday after missing five days due to a stiff neck. The team also says right-hander Masahiro (mah-sah-HEE'-roh) Tanaka is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday, his first action since he was struck on the head by a liner off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton on July 4.— The Red Sox have placed left-handers Eduardo Rodríguez, Josh Taylor, and Darwinzon Hernandez on the injured list while they recover from COVID-19. Rodríguez won 19 games last year and had been the team's likely opening day starter. The pitchers are eligible to be activated as soon as they have cleared the protocol, but they have not been able to participate in team workouts and would need time to prepare for the season.NBA-PACERS-OLADIPOOladipo rethinking decision to sit out rest of seasonORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) is having second thoughts about calling it a season, saying the workouts in Orlando, Florida, have forced him to rethink his decision. Oladipo said less than two weeks ago that he would sit out because of concerns over his surgically repaired right knee. His presence could give the Pacers a big boost when the season resumes, especially with starting guard Malcolm Brogdon also expected to be healthy.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE FOOTBALL-MICHIGANMichigan to allow fewer fans, or none at allANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The University of Michigan says fewer fans, if any, will attend games at "The Big House" if the Wolverines play college football games this year.The athletic department says a final decision will be made after conferring with medical experts, the school's leadership and the Big Ten Conference, along with government officials and agencies.Michigan's policies include the elimination of season tickets for the 2020 season. VIRUS OUTBREAK-TENNESSEETennessee reports multiple positives among athletesKNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers report multiple positive results for COVID-19 after the university ran a batch of tests last week.The tests were conducted after the Fourth of July holiday weekend. A spokesman confirmed Wednesday that the positive tests spanned "multiple sports."Tennessee previously had two basketball players test positive, with both clearing quarantine. COLLEGE SPORTS-WISCONSINWisconsin to don black "W"MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin plans to have its sports teams wear a university crest logo with a black "W" to show solidarity with Black and other underrepresented communities on campus.School officials said the change would take effect whenever Wisconsin sports teams return to action. They said the black "W" is meant to show support, inclusion and unity from Wisconsin athletes, the athletic department and the university as a whole.NHL-AWARDSAdams, Calder finalists announcedNEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has announced the finalists for the Jack Adams Award and the Calder Trophy. Columbus' John Tortorella, Philadelphia's Alain Vigneault (VEEN'-yoh) and Boston's Bruce Cassidy are up for the Adams Award, which goes to the Coach of the Year. Colorado's Cale Makar (mah-KAHR'), Vancouver's Quinn Hughes and Chicago's Dominik Kubalik (koo-BAH'-lihk) are the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie. WNBA-DELLA DONNE-VIRUS OUTBREAKDelle Donne hurt that request denied by panel of doctorsNEW YORK (AP) — WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne is hurt that her request was denied to be medically excused for the season. The panel of independent doctors the league and union agreed upon to decide whether players should be medically excused deemed her not to be "high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble." The league's reigning MVP has battled Lyme disease since 2008 and thought she would be medically excused from playing this season by the panel. SOCCER-WORLD CUPWorld Cup schedule announcedLONDON (AP) — FIFA (FEE'-fuh) has announced a 2022 World Cup schedule that will have four games every day in a 12-day group stage. Matches later in the tournament that go into extra time will extend past midnight in Qatar. Eight venues in close proximity to Doha will be used at the tournament, which will be played in 28 days rather than the 32 days used in Russia to minimize the disruption to the European season. HORSE RACING-BAFFERT SUSPENDEDTriple-Crown-winning trainer gets 15-day banLOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended for 15 days by the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for a banned substance. Baffert-trained horses Charlatan and Gamine each tested positive for lidocaine in two rounds of testing after winning races at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track on May 2. The commission said the suspension will run from Aug. 1 -15. NFL-OBIT-DAVID LEWISFormer NFL and USC player David Lewis dies at 65TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 1979 team that reached the NFC title game has died at 65. David Lewis died in Tampa. The cause was not immediately known but USC said he had struggled with health issues in recent years. Lewis played college ball at USC. He was also among the defensive stars on the 1979 Buccaneers team that reached the NFC title game, capping the franchise's "worst to first" transformation. The Bucs won 10 games that year after having won just seven in the franchise's previous three seasons.

Mid-Day Sports Update

NICKERSON, Kan. - Another week, another basketball offer for Nickerson's super sophomore Ava Jones as now the University of Kansas &nbsp;as well as K-State has joined Wichita State, Oklahoma State &nbsp;and University of Missouri at Kansas City vying for her basketball talents.

Jones announced via her twitter page that the University of Kansas had extended an offer on Wednesday. &nbsp;Earlier in the week K-State extended and offer as well.

"After a great conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrandonKU">@CoachBrandonKU</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/terrynooner">@terrynooner</a> I’m so fortunate to say I have been offered by <a href="https://twitter.com/KUwbb">@kuwbb</a>!!!"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/wheatstateelite">@wheatstateelite</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_dpaul">@Coach_dpaul</a>

"I am truly honored and blessed to say I just received an offer from <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffMittie">@JeffMittie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/THECoachO">@THECoachO</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB">@KStateWBB</a>!!! Go State!!!"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EMAW?src=hashtag_click">#EMAW</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wheatstateelite">@wheatstateelite</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_dpaul">@Coach_dpaul</a>

Jones averaged 13 points per game along with 8 rebound an outing as a freshman for Coach Jon McLain's Nickerson Pather team in 2019-2020.

NICKERSON, Kan. - Another week, another basketball offer for Nickerson's super sophomore Ava Jones as now the University of Kansas &nbsp;as well as K-State has joined Wichita State, Oklahoma State &nbsp;and University of Missouri at Kansas City vying for her basketball talents.Jones announced via her twitter page that the University of Kansas had extended an offer on Wednesday. &nbsp;Earlier in the week K-State extended and offer as well."After a great conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrandonKU">@CoachBrandonKU</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/terrynooner">@terrynooner</a> I’m so fortunate to say I have been offered by <a href="https://twitter.com/KUwbb">@kuwbb</a>!!!"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/wheatstateelite">@wheatstateelite</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_dpaul">@Coach_dpaul</a>"I am truly honored and blessed to say I just received an offer from <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffMittie">@JeffMittie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/THECoachO">@THECoachO</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB">@KStateWBB</a>!!! Go State!!!"&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EMAW?src=hashtag_click">#EMAW</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wheatstateelite">@wheatstateelite</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_dpaul">@Coach_dpaul</a>Jones averaged 13 points per game along with 8 rebound an outing as a freshman for Coach Jon McLain's Nickerson Pather team in 2019-2020.

Nickerson's Jones received basketball offer from KU

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/858353401&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost" title="HutchPost.com" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HutchPost.com</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost/eagle-sports-july-15-2020" title="Eagle Sports July 15 - 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Sports July 15 - 2020</a></div></div>

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have enjoyed a relatively quiet ramp-up to next week's opener of their abbreviated season. Their core players have continued to test negative for COVID-19 during their workouts at Busch Stadium ahead of next week's opener to their abbreviated season. They haven't had any injuries pop up that could dramatically alter their plans for the starting rotation or lineup. And the few questions they did have during the spring, such as how they would cast their deep platoon of outfielders and how they would stack their bullpen, have been largely answered.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviate season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.

CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Burger is going to play in a local league this summer in his hometown of St. Louis after the Chicago White Sox approved the plan for their first-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. It's a chance for the third baseman to get back on the field after he tore his left Achilles tendon twice, sidelining him for each of the previous two seasons. The cancellation of this year's minor league season left prospects like Burger without anywhere to go for game action that could help continue their development. It remains to be seen how many teams permit their prospects to play in organized leagues this summer.

Canadian health official suggests longer Blue Jays homestand

TORONTO (AP) — A top Canadian government health official says a longer stretch of home games might help the Blue Jays to get approval to play in Toronto amid the pandemic. 

Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo says back and forth travel from the U.S. where cases are surging is a major issue that could prevent the government from approving MLB to play in Canada. 

MLB requires an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must self-isolate for 14 days. The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel. 

The Blue Jays' home opener is scheduled for July 29 against Washington.

— About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus. There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. Joe West and Gerry Davis are the oldest umps at 67. Umpires who are deemed at risk — either for their age, health situation or other issues — and opt out will continue to get paid. Umps get their salaries over 12 months and have already been paid through April.

— Several people familiar with the conversations tell The Associated Press that the baseball players' association has discussed hiring noted sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to litigate a contemplated grievance against clubs. The grievance would accuse Commissioner Rob Manfred and management of failing to act in good faith to complete the longest season economically feasible. A grievance has not yet been filed and an agreement with Kessler has not been finalized.

— Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton has a sprained left foot but no structural damage. Further testing revealed the diagnosis Tuesday, a day after his injury in an intrasquad game at Target Field. The Twins said Buxton would be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. He got hurt tracking a fly ball and lost his balance. 

—Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is unsure whether he will be able to take his first turn through the rotation as he recovers from a line drive off his head. Tanaka was hit on the right side near the temple by Giancarlo Stanton's shot during batting practice on July 4. While the 31-year-old right-hander says he has no concussion symptoms, he has not thrown off a mound since. 

—A person with knowledge of the deal says the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig (yah-SEEL' pweeg). The agreement helps the NL East champions address a depth problem in their outfield. Nick Markakis recently opted out over concerns about the coronavirus. The 29-year-old Puig hit a combined .267 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs for Cincinnati and Cleveland in 2019. He also stole 19 bases.

— Anthony Rizzo's back trouble flared up again after he took batting practice over the weekend, and the Chicago Cubs are sending the slugger for tests. Rizzo has been dealing with back tightness during summer camp, a recurring problem throughout his career. The first baseman took live BP on Sunday before the issue surfaced again. Manager David Ross says Rizzo remains day to day.

— Jake Burger is going to play in a local league this summer in his hometown of St. Louis after the Chicago White Sox approved the plan for their first-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. It's a chance for the third baseman to get back on the field after he tore his left Achilles tendon twice, sidelining him for each of the previous two seasons. 

—Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos could miss the start of the season because of an injured right ankle sustained in an intrasquad game. Manager Chris Woodward said Chirinos was probably better than anticipated Tuesday, a day after getting hurt. But it's still unclear if he will be ready for the season opener July 24 against Colorado.

— Fans wanting to see their faces at Dodger Stadium this season can buy cutouts. The team says net proceeds from the sale will benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Cutouts in the Dugout Club or new Pavilion Home Run Seats cost $299. Field and loge cutout locations cost $149. The cutouts are 18 inches wide and 30 inches high. The images are subject to team approval. 

Kings' Barnes isn't at NBA restart, says he has coronavirus

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings became the latest NBA player to reveal that he has coronavirus, making the announcement Tuesday and saying he has hopes to join his team at the league's restart later this summer. Barnes is the only player who has started all 64 of the Kings' games this season. To extend that streak, he'll need to be cleared and arrive at Walt Disney World before Sacramento's season resumes with the first of its eight seeding games on July 31 against San Antonio.

Southeastern Conference postpones start of some sports

UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference is postponing the start of volleyball, soccer and cross country competition through at least the end of August because of COVID-19. 

The league says that provides more time to prepare for a safe return to competition on an adjusted timeline. The decision includes all exhibition and non-conference games.

Each school will be responsible for any rescheduling of non-conference contests impacted by the postponement.

The league hasn't made any announcement on the football season. The Big Ten and Pac-12 have opted to only play conference games.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have joined a growing list of NFL teams who hope to play home games this season in front of a significantly reduced number of fans to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The team announced Tuesday that it plans to play in front of about 20% of Gillette Stadium's capacity, if approved by state and local officials. The stadium's capacity is just under 66,000. The Patriots also informed season ticket holders that if fans are allowed at the stadium, they will be asked to adhere to physical distancing of at least six feet. Tickets will be arranged in blocks of 10 seats or fewer, with the first eight rows of the stadium not in use. Face coverings will also be required at all times.

Chiefs have four-year extension with Jones

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees. That word comes from a person familiar with the deal. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. 

— A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Browns are closing in on a massive contract extension with star defensive end Myles Garrett. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 and is one of the NFL's premiere edge rushers. Garrett and the Browns could have the deal completed in the next day or so. NFL Network reported the extension could be for five years and $125 million. 

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Islanders have signed goaltender of the future Ilya Sorokin to a contract for next season. The $2 million deal includes $1 million in salary and a $1 million bonus. A day earlier, the team signed Sorokin to an entry-level deal for the remainder of this season even though he's not eligible to play. The 24-year-old Sorokin is considered one of the top prospects at any position not current in the NHL. 

— Right wing Troy Terry has agreed to a three-year, $4.35 million contract extension through the 2022-23 season with the Anaheim Ducks. Terry has eight goals and 20 assists in 81 career games with the Ducks. They drafted him in the fifth round in 2015. He scored 15 points in 47 games this season.

—The Minnesota Wild similarly signed fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov to a two-year contract for this season and next. Kaprizov like Sorokin can't compete in the resumption of the season.

— Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan missed practice because of a family emergency. Coach Jeremy Colliton said he isn't sure when de Haan will be back. The 29-year-old de Haan is coming back from right shoulder surgery in December. He was acquired in a June 2019 trade with Carolina. 

— NHL leading scorer Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Rangers winger Artemi Panarin are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. The trophy goes to the league's most outstanding player as voted by fellow players. None of them have won the award before. 

News outlets seek to unseal files on Saints owner Tom Benson

UNDATED (AP) — A group of news organizations including The Associated Press are headed to court today seeking to unseal court records involving the mental competency of billionaire Tom Benson when he rewrote his will to give his third wife ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans sports franchises. 

The news outlets argue that interest in the 2015 case has been heightened by revelations this year that Saints executives engaged in a behind-the-scenes public relations campaign to help the area's Roman Catholic archdiocese contain the fallout from a clergy abuse crisis. 

Attorneys for Benson, who died in 2018, have opposed the request. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have enjoyed a relatively quiet ramp-up to next week's opener of their abbreviated season. Their core players have continued to test negative for COVID-19 during their workouts at Busch Stadium ahead of next week's opener to their abbreviated season. They haven't had any injuries pop up that could dramatically alter their plans for the starting rotation or lineup. And the few questions they did have during the spring, such as how they would cast their deep platoon of outfielders and how they would stack their bullpen, have been largely answered.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviate season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Burger is going to play in a local league this summer in his hometown of St. Louis after the Chicago White Sox approved the plan for their first-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. It's a chance for the third baseman to get back on the field after he tore his left Achilles tendon twice, sidelining him for each of the previous two seasons. The cancellation of this year's minor league season left prospects like Burger without anywhere to go for game action that could help continue their development. It remains to be seen how many teams permit their prospects to play in organized leagues this summer.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>VIRUS OUTBREAK-MLB-BLUE JAYSCanadian health official suggests longer Blue Jays homestandTORONTO (AP) — A top Canadian government health official says a longer stretch of home games might help the Blue Jays to get approval to play in Toronto amid the pandemic. Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo says back and forth travel from the U.S. where cases are surging is a major issue that could prevent the government from approving MLB to play in Canada. MLB requires an exemption to a requirement that anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must self-isolate for 14 days. The U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel. The Blue Jays' home opener is scheduled for July 29 against Washington.In other MLB news:— About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus. There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. Joe West and Gerry Davis are the oldest umps at 67. Umpires who are deemed at risk — either for their age, health situation or other issues — and opt out will continue to get paid. Umps get their salaries over 12 months and have already been paid through April.— Several people familiar with the conversations tell The Associated Press that the baseball players' association has discussed hiring noted sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler to litigate a contemplated grievance against clubs. The grievance would accuse Commissioner Rob Manfred and management of failing to act in good faith to complete the longest season economically feasible. A grievance has not yet been filed and an agreement with Kessler has not been finalized.— Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton has a sprained left foot but no structural damage. Further testing revealed the diagnosis Tuesday, a day after his injury in an intrasquad game at Target Field. The Twins said Buxton would be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. He got hurt tracking a fly ball and lost his balance. —Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is unsure whether he will be able to take his first turn through the rotation as he recovers from a line drive off his head. Tanaka was hit on the right side near the temple by Giancarlo Stanton's shot during batting practice on July 4. While the 31-year-old right-hander says he has no concussion symptoms, he has not thrown off a mound since. —A person with knowledge of the deal says the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig (yah-SEEL' pweeg). The agreement helps the NL East champions address a depth problem in their outfield. Nick Markakis recently opted out over concerns about the coronavirus. The 29-year-old Puig hit a combined .267 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs for Cincinnati and Cleveland in 2019. He also stole 19 bases.— Anthony Rizzo's back trouble flared up again after he took batting practice over the weekend, and the Chicago Cubs are sending the slugger for tests. Rizzo has been dealing with back tightness during summer camp, a recurring problem throughout his career. The first baseman took live BP on Sunday before the issue surfaced again. Manager David Ross says Rizzo remains day to day.— Jake Burger is going to play in a local league this summer in his hometown of St. Louis after the Chicago White Sox approved the plan for their first-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. It's a chance for the third baseman to get back on the field after he tore his left Achilles tendon twice, sidelining him for each of the previous two seasons. —Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos could miss the start of the season because of an injured right ankle sustained in an intrasquad game. Manager Chris Woodward said Chirinos was probably better than anticipated Tuesday, a day after getting hurt. But it's still unclear if he will be ready for the season opener July 24 against Colorado.— Fans wanting to see their faces at Dodger Stadium this season can buy cutouts. The team says net proceeds from the sale will benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Cutouts in the Dugout Club or new Pavilion Home Run Seats cost $299. Field and loge cutout locations cost $149. The cutouts are 18 inches wide and 30 inches high. The images are subject to team approval. VIRUS OUTBREAK-NBAKings' Barnes isn't at NBA restart, says he has coronavirusLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings became the latest NBA player to reveal that he has coronavirus, making the announcement Tuesday and saying he has hopes to join his team at the league's restart later this summer. Barnes is the only player who has started all 64 of the Kings' games this season. To extend that streak, he'll need to be cleared and arrive at Walt Disney World before Sacramento's season resumes with the first of its eight seeding games on July 31 against San Antonio.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCESoutheastern Conference postpones start of some sportsUNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference is postponing the start of volleyball, soccer and cross country competition through at least the end of August because of COVID-19. The league says that provides more time to prepare for a safe return to competition on an adjusted timeline. The decision includes all exhibition and non-conference games.Each school will be responsible for any rescheduling of non-conference contests impacted by the postponement.The league hasn't made any announcement on the football season. The Big Ten and Pac-12 have opted to only play conference games.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NFL-PATRIOTSPatriots hope to play before some fansFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have joined a growing list of NFL teams who hope to play home games this season in front of a significantly reduced number of fans to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.The team announced Tuesday that it plans to play in front of about 20% of Gillette Stadium's capacity, if approved by state and local officials. The stadium's capacity is just under 66,000. The Patriots also informed season ticket holders that if fans are allowed at the stadium, they will be asked to adhere to physical distancing of at least six feet. Tickets will be arranged in blocks of 10 seats or fewer, with the first eight rows of the stadium not in use. Face coverings will also be required at all times.NFL-CHIEFS-JONESChiefs have four-year extension with JonesKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees. That word comes from a person familiar with the deal. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Elsewhere in the NFL:— A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Browns are closing in on a massive contract extension with star defensive end Myles Garrett. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 and is one of the NFL's premiere edge rushers. Garrett and the Browns could have the deal completed in the next day or so. NFL Network reported the extension could be for five years and $125 million. NHL-ISLANDERS-SOROKINIslanders sign Sorokin for next seasonUNDATED (AP) — The New York Islanders have signed goaltender of the future Ilya Sorokin to a contract for next season. The $2 million deal includes $1 million in salary and a $1 million bonus. A day earlier, the team signed Sorokin to an entry-level deal for the remainder of this season even though he's not eligible to play. The 24-year-old Sorokin is considered one of the top prospects at any position not current in the NHL. In NHL news:— Right wing Troy Terry has agreed to a three-year, $4.35 million contract extension through the 2022-23 season with the Anaheim Ducks. Terry has eight goals and 20 assists in 81 career games with the Ducks. They drafted him in the fifth round in 2015. He scored 15 points in 47 games this season.—The Minnesota Wild similarly signed fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov to a two-year contract for this season and next. Kaprizov like Sorokin can't compete in the resumption of the season.— Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan missed practice because of a family emergency. Coach Jeremy Colliton said he isn't sure when de Haan will be back. The 29-year-old de Haan is coming back from right shoulder surgery in December. He was acquired in a June 2019 trade with Carolina. — NHL leading scorer Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Rangers winger Artemi Panarin are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. The trophy goes to the league's most outstanding player as voted by fellow players. None of them have won the award before. Clergy Abuse-New Orleans SaintsNews outlets seek to unseal files on Saints owner Tom BensonUNDATED (AP) — A group of news organizations including The Associated Press are headed to court today seeking to unseal court records involving the mental competency of billionaire Tom Benson when he rewrote his will to give his third wife ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans sports franchises. The news outlets argue that interest in the 2015 case has been heightened by revelations this year that Saints executives engaged in a behind-the-scenes public relations campaign to help the area's Roman Catholic archdiocese contain the fallout from a clergy abuse crisis. Attorneys for Benson, who died in 2018, have opposed the request.

Wednesday Sports Headlines

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have scheduled three exhibition games leading up to the season opener on July 24.&nbsp;

The Royals will host the Houston Astros in Kauffman Stadium on&nbsp;July 20&nbsp;(7:05 p.m.) and again on&nbsp;July 21&nbsp;(1:05 p.m.). The club will then travel across the state to play the St. Louis Cardinals in a 3:05 p.m. affair in Busch Stadium on&nbsp;July 22.&nbsp; This will mark the first exhibition meeting between Kansas City and St. Louis since 2001, when both clubs were members of the Grapefruit League, while the Royals last met Astros in exhibition play in 2015 in Houston.

All three games will be shown on Fox Sports Kansas City.

KC is scheduled to open the 2020 regular season on&nbsp;July 24&nbsp;in Cleveland at 6:10 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have scheduled three exhibition games leading up to the season opener on July 24.&nbsp;The Royals will host the Houston Astros in Kauffman Stadium on&nbsp;July 20&nbsp;(7:05 p.m.) and again on&nbsp;July 21&nbsp;(1:05 p.m.). The club will then travel across the state to play the St. Louis Cardinals in a 3:05 p.m. affair in Busch Stadium on&nbsp;July 22.&nbsp; This will mark the first exhibition meeting between Kansas City and St. Louis since 2001, when both clubs were members of the Grapefruit League, while the Royals last met Astros in exhibition play in 2015 in Houston.All three games will be shown on Fox Sports Kansas City.KC is scheduled to open the 2020 regular season on&nbsp;July 24&nbsp;in Cleveland at 6:10 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals schedule three exhibition games for next week

About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus.

Two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press about the decisions on Tuesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman are among a dozen or so players who won’t participate this year because of health issues. The 60-game, virus-abbreviated season begins July 23.

There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. Joe West and Gerry Davis are the oldest umps at 67.

Umpires who are deemed at risk — either for their age, health situation or other issues — and opt out will continue to get paid. Umps get their salaries over 12 months and have already been paid through April.

A deal between MLB and its umpires reached during the virus shutdown ensured that if even one regular-season game was played this season, the umps were guaranteed 37.5% of their salaries.

Umpires recently began working intrasquad and simulated games at big league camps to sharpen up for the season. Teams are set to start exhibition games this weekend in preparation for opening day.

Minus 10 or more MLB umpires, many Triple-A umps will work the two-month season. Most of them have previously called games in the majors as fill-in for umpires who have been injured or are on vacation.

“It gives guys an opportunity,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Some younger guys are going to get to be major league umpires for a season. That’ll be fun.”

Just as MLB redrew the schedule amid the virus outbreak, umpires are certain to see a shift, too. Crew assignments, travel arrangements and schedules were still under review at the start of the week.

About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus.Two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press about the decisions on Tuesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman are among a dozen or so players who won’t participate this year because of health issues. The 60-game, virus-abbreviated season begins July 23.There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. Joe West and Gerry Davis are the oldest umps at 67.Umpires who are deemed at risk — either for their age, health situation or other issues — and opt out will continue to get paid. Umps get their salaries over 12 months and have already been paid through April.A deal between MLB and its umpires reached during the virus shutdown ensured that if even one regular-season game was played this season, the umps were guaranteed 37.5% of their salaries.Umpires recently began working intrasquad and simulated games at big league camps to sharpen up for the season. Teams are set to start exhibition games this weekend in preparation for opening day.Minus 10 or more MLB umpires, many Triple-A umps will work the two-month season. Most of them have previously called games in the majors as fill-in for umpires who have been injured or are on vacation.“It gives guys an opportunity,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Some younger guys are going to get to be major league umpires for a season. That’ll be fun.”Just as MLB redrew the schedule amid the virus outbreak, umpires are certain to see a shift, too. Crew assignments, travel arrangements and schedules were still under review at the start of the week.

AP sources: About 10 MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Rangers indefinitely furloughed about 60 full-time employees, a moved announced 10 days before Texas opens its new ballpark without fans due to the pandemic-delayed season.

Texas owner Ray Davis said in March that he hoped to avoid furloughs. But the owner said in a statement Tuesday that severe financial consequences of the coronavirus-caused shutdown and lingering uncertainty of when fans will be allowed at games left the organization out of options. The decision was announced after four months of cost-saving measures, budget cuts and salary decreases.

Employees furloughed worked in both baseball operations and on the business side, in and outside of Arlington. They made up 12% of the team’s roughly 500 full-time employees.

Davis said the furloughs “reflect the realities of playing in an empty Globe Life Field, the shutdown of minor leagues baseball and other considerations related to the business challenges we face.” He said he was optimistic that the team would be able to welcome the furloughed employees back to work in the future.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Rangers indefinitely furloughed about 60 full-time employees, a moved announced 10 days before Texas opens its new ballpark without fans due to the pandemic-delayed season.Texas owner Ray Davis said in March that he hoped to avoid furloughs. But the owner said in a statement Tuesday that severe financial consequences of the coronavirus-caused shutdown and lingering uncertainty of when fans will be allowed at games left the organization out of options. The decision was announced after four months of cost-saving measures, budget cuts and salary decreases.Employees furloughed worked in both baseball operations and on the business side, in and outside of Arlington. They made up 12% of the team’s roughly 500 full-time employees.Davis said the furloughs “reflect the realities of playing in an empty Globe Life Field, the shutdown of minor leagues baseball and other considerations related to the business challenges we face.” He said he was optimistic that the team would be able to welcome the furloughed employees back to work in the future.Rangers executives previously took pay cuts, and about half of the full-time employees had their salaries cut 10-20% in May.Construction of the $1.2 billion Globe Life Field, which has a retractable roof, was completed in time for what was supposed to be the start of the regular season in late March. The Rangers are set to open the reduced 60-game schedule at home without fans July 24 against Colorado.Furloughed employees were given two weeks of pay, and their medical benefits will be paid through October. The team previously committed to paying minor leaguers a $400 weekly stipend through the end of July.“We have spent a great deal of time trying to find another course that would be less painful,” Davis said. “I wish there was another way, but this decision is necessary for us to endure this crisis and emerge as strong as possible on the other side.”