MLB
The Mets' week was highlighted by the return of Noah Syndergaard, who had been out almost two months due to a sore index finger. In five innings of work, Syndergaard pitched in and out of trouble and came away with a win thanks to a one-run performance against the National League East rival Nationals. Other news of note from the week includes Yoenis Cespedes working out at first base as he continues his rehab in Port St. Lucie. Cespedes last appeared in a Major League game on May 13. Meanwhile, T.J. Rivera suffered a setback.
A lot of the headlines surrounding the Yankees this week had to do with their pursuit of superstar Manny Machado, however, the story took an odd turn Sunday when it was revealed that New York is currently unwilling to part with any of its top 10 prospects in any potential deal with Baltimore, according to reports. Meanwhile, on the field, Sonny Gray had a much-need brilliant outing against the Orioles during a 9-0 Yankees' win at Camden Yards. In other pitching news, the Yankees have checked in on Mets starter Zack Wheeler and they got a quality start out of Masahiro Tanaka to close out the first half of the season Sunday.
NFL
The Jets were rated the worst team in the NFL for the upcoming Madden 19 with a team rating of 72. The Giants didn't fare much better, ranking third worst at 73. Second-year safety Jamal Adams is the Jets highest-rated player. Gang Green is expected to sign undrafted Mississippi State safety Brandon Bryant. Former Giants coach Ben McAdoo criticized Jets rookie Sam Darnold, saying he thinks "he's special" but didn't "like the way he throws."
McAdoo didn't just talk about the Jets and unsurprisingly focused on his former employers, paying the Giants many complements. He thinks the Giants will claim the NFC East and doubts the Eagles will repeat their success. McAdoo also praised Big Blue's offensive line moves while ripping his former left tackle Ereck Flowers. He said that he failed Odell Beckham Jr. as a coach.
Eli Manning says Beckham, who was tied for the Giants' highest individual Madden rating, looks like his old self. The veteran QB looks forward to training camp. The Giants added Western Michigan CB Sam Beal in the third round of the supplemental draft. The 6-foot-1 corner was Big Blue's first pick in the supplemental draft since 1994.
NBA
The Knicks received rave reviews for first-round pick Kevin Knox, who put on a show at Summer League. One NBA executive says, "He's f---ing really good" and the rookie even impressed ESPN analyst Doris Burke. Knox scored 29 points in one game while fellow rookie Mitchell Robinson had a double-double with six blocks in the Summer League finale.
Kyle O'Quinn threw shade at the Knicks as he joins the Indiana Pacers. GM Scott Perry is looking to keep options open on the roster for rest of offseason Still, the Knicks' focus lays beyond next season. The team seems poised to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency and potential target Jimmy Butler turned down an extension from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler may consider joining up with Kyrie Irving on the Knicks.
Former Knick Charles Oakley was arrested for cheating in Las Vegas. Frank Ntilikina and Mario Hezonja had a friendly wager for the FIFA World Cup final. Enes Kanter discussed death threats and his loss of national identity. Joakim Noah wants to remain with the team.
The Nets reportedly signed guard Shabazz Napier to a two-year deal and were also active on the trade market. They dealt guard Jeremy Lin to the Atlanta Hawks and swapped future second-round picks. They also acquired forwards Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur from the Denver Nuggets along with a future first- and second-round picks. In exchange, the Nets took on the salaries and dealt guard Isaiah Whitehead.
NHL
The Rangers' coaching staff continues to be rounded out with reports indicating that Boston College associate head coach Greg Brown is close to joining David Quinn's staff. Meanwhile, Boo Nieves signed a one-year qualifying offer Friday. Still only 24 years old, Nieves played 28 games with the Rangers last season and scored one goal to go along with eight assists. As for Islanders Country, Chris Botta wrote a piece reacting to John Tavares' farewell letter to New York fans in The Players Tribune. In it, Botta questioned the timing of the article and looked ahead to what kind of reaction Tavares should expect upon returning to Barclays Center for the first time as a member of the Maple Leafs.
MLS
NYCFC continued its excellent season with a pair of wins this week. The Pigeons blanked Montreal, 3-0, on Wednesday night before taking care of the Columbus Crew at home, 2-0, on Saturday. NYCFC remained unbeaten at home this season. Across the Hudson River, the Red Bulls came from behind to defeat Sporting Kansas City, 3-2.
NCAA
Bad news broke involving several members of the Rutgers football team, as eight players could be involved in an investigation for fraudulent use of credit cards, according to a source. Linebacker Brendan DeVera and safety K.J. Gray were dismissed from the team mid-week for "violating team rules."