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