MLB
All-Star rosters were announced and Jacob deGrom was named as the Mets' lone representative. The 30-year-old ace, who will be making his second All-Star appearnce, leads all of baseball with a 1.79 ERA over 18 starts. Andres Gimenez and Peter Alonso were named to Futures Game. Jenrry Mejia's lifetime ban was lifted, he can work out with Mets and potentially return in 2019. The team inked No. 9 international free agent Francisco Alvarez for $2.9 million.
On the field, the Mets managed to split a two-game series in Toronto before dropping two of three at home against the Rays. Jose Bautista came up with the big hit Friday night against Tampa Bay, launching a walk-off grand slam, the first walk-off homer of his career. However, the Mets suffered shutouts in the last two games with the Rays. Zack Wheeler and Corey Oswalt pitched well in Toronto, though the bullpen couldn't hold Wheeler's lead.
The Mets are unlikely to trade either deGrom or Noah Syndergaard at the trade deadline and may move Wheeler or Steven Matz instead. Interim GM John Ricco said that the team isn't looking to rebuild and wants to compete in 2019. Manager Mickey Callaway admitted he has pondered his Mets future.
Syndergaard made a rehab start Sunday in Brooklyn, striking out seven over five innings. Yoenis Cespedes made some progress on his return from his injuries but has yet to come back for rehab appearances. Devin Mesoraco passed concussion protocol and returned to lineup. T.J. Rivera began a rehab stint in St. Lucie on Thursday as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Hailey Dawson threw out first pitch at Citi Field with her robotic arm after doing so at Yankee Stadium earlier in week.
The Mets are set for four games with the Phillies (including Monday's doubleheader) and four with the Nationals to close the first half.
The Yankees took two of three from both the Braves and Blue Jays this week. Giancarlo Stanton homered in consecutive games vs. Atlanta and CC Sabathia turned in a quality start on July 4. Sonny Gray continued to struggle and lasted just two innings in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. Brett Gardner led the offense in Toronto with a leadoff homer Saturday and the go-ahead hit in the 10th inning Sunday.
Aroldis Chapman, Luis Severino, Gleyber Torres and Aaron Judge were named as the Bombers' All-Star reps while Giancarlo Stanton is part of the American League Final Vote. Justus Sheffield earned an invite to the Futures Game. In international free agency, the Yankees signed Severino's brother as well as multiple other free agents, including a 16-year-old that reaches 96 mph with his fastball. The team has been tied to relievers Zach Britton and Brad Hand, 3B/1B Mike Moustakas and former Bombers RHP Nathan Eovaldi in trade rumors.
Before earning the All-Star nod, Torres was placed on the 10-day DL with a hip strain. Rookie righty Jonathan Loaisiga was demoted after Monday's loss to the Braves and will visit the team doctor due to shoulder issues. Chapman and Aaron Hicks exited Saturday's game vs. Toronto and are day-to-day. Clint Frazier was recalled from Triple-A Scranton. Masahiro Tanaka and Gary Sanchez continue to narrow in on a return with Tanaka to start Tuesday.
The Yankees play four with the Orioles (also including a Monday twinbill) in Baltimore and four with the Indians on the road before the All-Star break.
NFL
The Jets have had six offensive coordinators in eight years, but Jeremy Bates is looking to break that curse. Though it won't help Bates on the field, rookie QB Sam Darnold is among Madden 19's top 5 rookie QBs. Darnold chose the Mets over the Yankees for his favorite NYC baseball team. Fellow QB Josh McCown believes Darnold is the right player to lead the Jets.
On the Madden 19 front, Saquon Barkley was given the second best rating among rookies. One former NFL agent belives Odell Beckham Jr. should negotiate a three-year deal to enter free agency at age 28. Beckham looked like his old self in a training video. Off the field, Janoris Jenkins discussed his friend who was found dead in his home while Jason Pierre-Paul spoke on the anniversary of his fireworks accident. Former Giant Barry Cofield was caught with heroin.
NBA
The Knicks finished last week with the addition of former Orlando guard Mario Hezonja on a one-year deal. The team has been relatively inactive otherwise, planning to keep their options open for next year's free agency that could feature Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler. Coach David Fizdale was relieved by LeBron James leaving the Eastern Conference. Fizdale also said the Knicks could put out an extremely tall lineup with Kristaps Porzingis at small forward. After signing his rookie deal, forward Kevin Knox shined in his Summer League debut and put down an impressive dunk to start the game.
Second-round pick Mitchell Robinson signed a multi-year contract to begin his Knick career. PF Isaiah Hicks returns to New York on a two-way deal while Kyle O'Quinn is heading to Indiana in free agency. The Knicks also re-signed C Luke Kornet. Former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is likely to be bought out or traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Nets completed their buyout of Dwight Howard, freeing him to sign with the Washington Wizards.
NHL
The Rangers laid low for the most part as the first week of free agency came to a close. They re-signed Vlad Namestnikov to a two-year deal while Steven Fogarty accepted a one-year qualifying offer. Head coach David Quinn plans to meet with as many Rangers as possible. The Blueshirts vie to have cap space for next year, when they could try to snag Blue Jackets winger Artemi Panarin. The Rangers could take on a contract and some compensation as a potential third team in Ottawa's trade of Erik Karlsson to Tampa Bay.
GM Lou Lamoriello said he respects John Tavares' decision to leave the Islanders. Losing Tavares to Toronto didn't stop New York from doing business with the Leafs. The Isles acquired familiar face Matt Martin from the Maple Leafs in exchange for G Eamon McAdam. New York also signed free agent deals with Thomas Kuhnhackl, Christopher Gibson, Seth Helgeson, Mike Sislo and Matt Lorito. They also added talented goalie Robin Lehner and named Lane Lambert an associate head coach.
NCAA
UConn senior Napheesa Collier aims for a big final season in Stoors while junior Crystal Dangerfield hopes to return to form after shin splints limited her down the stretch last season.
MLS
Maximiliano Moralez scored the lone goal for NYCFC as the Pigeons won the Hudson River Derby over the Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium.