Sports

August 24, 2025

Published 18 days ago

TL;DR

Zack Wheeler out 6–8 months; Arsenal lose Ødegaard, Saka to injury; Blue Jays’ Bieber shines in return.


Highlights

  • Phillies’ Zack Wheeler out 6–8 months after thoracic outlet surgery; Mets’ Frankie Montas also done for season 1.
  • Arsenal rout Leeds 5–0 to top Premier League but lose Ødegaard (shoulder) and Saka (hamstring) to injury; both uncertain for Liverpool 23.
  • Arsenal unveil ÂŁ60m signing Eberechi Eze 311; 15-year-old Max Dowman debuts and wins penalty 214.
  • Tottenham win 2–0 at Man City, briefly lead league before Arsenal’s result 311.
  • Red Sox hammer Yankees 12–1, now 8–1 in season series; Boston tightens AL wild-card grip 4.
  • Blue Jays’ Shane Bieber strikes out nine in winning return from Tommy John surgery; Toronto extends AL East lead 820.
  • Cowboys’ Micah Parsons’ contract standoff and sideline conduct draw scrutiny; team expects him ready for opener 7.
  • Browns’ Dillon Gabriel outperforms Shedeur Sanders in preseason finale, intensifying backup QB race 9.
  • 49ers’ new WR Skyy Moore appears set for debut, pending trade approval; RB Brian Robinson’s status also pending 10.
  • Washington Spirit beat Bay FC 3–2 before record 40,091 NWSL crowd, move to second place 16.
  • Cadillac F1 set to announce Sergio PĂ©rez and Valtteri Bottas as 2026 drivers 5.

Commentary

Major injury news is reshaping MLB and the Premier League. Zack Wheeler’s extended absence is a significant blow for Phillies futures and fantasy rotations, with his timeline possibly pushing into 2026 spring training 1. Toronto, meanwhile, gets a boost as Shane Bieber returns strong from surgery, solidifying the Blue Jays’ rotation as they maintain a five-game AL East lead 820. The Red Sox’s continued dominance over the Yankees further pressures New York’s wild-card hopes and should be factored into daily betting and fantasy decisions 4.

In the Premier League, Arsenal’s 5–0 win over Leeds is offset by injuries to Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka—both key fantasy assets and critical to Arsenal’s attack ahead of a high-stakes match at Liverpool 23. The addition of Eberechi Eze and the emergence of Max Dowman add depth 31114, but fantasy managers and bettors should monitor injury updates closely. Tottenham’s win at Manchester City signals they remain in the early title conversation 311.

NFL preseason developments are impacting depth charts and contract outlooks. Micah Parsons’ hold-in and off-field conduct are a concern, but Dallas expects him to play Week 1 7. In Cleveland, Dillon Gabriel’s preseason performance gives him an edge in the backup QB competition, while Shedeur Sanders’ struggles may affect roster decisions 9. The 49ers’ acquisition of Skyy Moore could shake up their receiver rotation if the trade is finalized 10.

Elsewhere, the Washington Spirit’s win before a record NWSL crowd highlights rising interest in women’s soccer 16, and Cadillac’s expected F1 driver lineup of PĂ©rez and Bottas signals an experienced approach for their 2026 debut 5.

Subscribe to Sports Brief

Get daily sports updates delivered to your inbox