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Ronald Acuña Jr. ‘day-to-day’ after being hit by pitch twice
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. left Monday night’s game against the Washington Nationals early after he was hit by a pitch twice. chickenroadslot.pro
The Braves said X-rays on his hand were negative and Acuña is now listed as day-to-day.
Atlanta trailed the Nationals 2-0 in the fourth when Jake Irvin hit Acuña with a fast ball. Two innings later, the Braves were down 3-2 when Irvin again hit Acuña with a fastball.
The second pitch appeared to hit Acuña’s left hand as he yelled in pain. Acuña appeared in the on-deck circle in the top of the sixth, but manager Walt Weiss replaced him with Eli White in the bottom of the inning.
Atlanta pitcher Bryce Elder hit a Nationals batter and the umpires issued warnings to both dugouts.
The Braves won the first game of the series, 9-4.
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RFL appoints RL Commercial's Jones interim CEO
The Rugby Football League has appointed Rhodri Jones interim chief executive as it continues the process of finding a permanent CEO.
Abi Ekoku held the role on an interim basis but left to join St Helens as their CEO in April.
Jones has held his current role as RL Commercial's managing director since January 2023 and prior to that had been chief commercial officer for Super League (Europe).
"It's a privilege to step into this role at such an important moment for the sport," Jones said.
"The 2026 season has started strongly and that momentum must continue.
"I'm focused on providing stability, supporting our stakeholders and teams, and ensuring we continue to deliver for our fans, partners and wider community, whilst the search process for the new permanent CEO of the RFL concludes."
In a statement, the RFL said Jones would act as interim chief executive "until the process to appoint a permanent CEO is concluded".
"Rhodri's appointment gives the organisation continuity and stability, whilst we complete the search process for the new permanent CEO of the RFL which we expect to conclude over the next couple of months," RFL chair Nigel Wood added.
"Rhodri is well-regarded within the internal and external stakeholder group, and I am pleased he has accepted this interim role."
“We have to avoid stupid decisions in the transfer market” – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has warned that they must avoid ‘stupid decisions’ in the transfer market this summer if they are to win the Champions League. Ahead of the summer window, Flick also commented that he and Director of Football Deco have ‘clear ideas’ on their plans for their activity.
The Catalan side are still recovering from their Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid, but with a hefty advantage in La Liga, much of the media talk is about possible transfer plans in the summer. Flick told the media that his side had to be perfect in the transfer market to win the Champions League.
“For me its a big dream. There are two things in life that I want, that we win the Champions League, and we have a fantastic team for the next years. You know how I always say, we have to make the right decision about the transfer period, don’t make stupid decisions, we must be perfect. The team is young, and we have a lot of potential, also to get better and better. We have a good structure.”
Barcelona miss Inigo Martinez leadership
One of the major losses for Barcelona last season was that of Inigo Martinez, who left on a free for Al-Nassr. It has been reported that their priority for this summer is now an experienced left-footed centre-back, the exact characteristics of Martinez.
“Last season, we had Inigo [Martinez]. And he was a great leader, and so this is also what we are learning from, so we need also players to have this leadership on the pitch. This is important. It’s about speaking, saying one-two metres here, speaking to each other. In training, I’m really happy, but in the Champions League, we need this. Players who are mature, who are able to show where we have to go on the pitch. This is important.”
‘We have clear ideas’ – Flick on Barcelona transfer plans
Although he was reluctant to give away the content of their conversations, Flick confirmed he was discussing their transfer plans with Director of Football Deco.
“We are speaking every day when he is here. We are speaking by phone. Of course, we focus on next season, it’s normal.”
The other priority target, if reports in the Catalan media are to be believed, is a centre-forward. Flick would not confirm that either.
“This is also not the right moment to speak about that. For me, it’s clear, we need every player now. And then we will see at the end of the season, when we analyse it, what we need. We have clear ideas. But now is not the moment to talk about it.”
Flick confirms conversation on Bardghji future this summer
That goes in tandem with doubts about the futures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres up front. Another forward being linked with an exit is Roony Bardghji, who in March admitted that he felt he deserved more minutes.
“For him, what I can say about Roony is that he is a fantastic professional player. It’s not an easy situation for him, because he expects more minutes. We have a player in that position, and he is doing really good, he’s one of the best in the world, and he needs to play. In these moments, we also need him on the pitch, it was really important.”
“Roony is doing fantastic. And I also spoke with him, and said let us go this way, and now he’s part of the Barcelona team. He’s playing with the best in the world, and he has improved a lot. I said we will speak at the end of the season, but now is not the moment, because we have seven games left, and it’s about every player. We need every player motivated, to show their best peformance.”
Barcelona return to action against Celta Vigo on Wednesday night at 21:30 CEST at Camp Nou, looking to maintain their nine-point advantage at the top of La Liga.
Devils Daily: Mehta Day in New Jersey; Draft Lottery Odds
It’s Sunny Mehta Day in New Jersey. The New Jersey Devils are set to introduce their new general manager today at 3 P.M. at the Prudential Center.
It’s the start of a new era for the red and black.
Mehta has much work to do right away. One of those tasks will be to tackle what he will do with his first round pick. He’ll likely make that decision after he finds out the Devils’ fate of the draft lottery. So, what’re the odds they can move up? More on that in the links.
Plus, Mehtas’d other top priorities via Devils Rink Report.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: The NHL released the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery odds over the weekend. Here are the Devils’ chances of winning it, and how far up the draft order they can actually move.
📺 Devils Rink Report: So, what are the priorities Sunny Mehta needs to face as he steps into his new role as general manager in New Jersey? We broke it down on the latest Devils Rink Report.
Full episode here 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Alex Tuch has been linked to the New York Rangers ever since trade rumors regarding the Buffalo Sabres forward surfaced. How realistic of a trade target is he for the Blueshirts this summer?
The Athletic ($): Here is every player in the playoffs without a Stanley Cup, and which are the most deserving to win one.
Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t expect to be here. They also didn’t expect a few of their players to be ahead of their developments. Here’s why Porter Martone is built for the moment he’s currently in.
San Jose Hockey Now: Could Macklin Celebrini be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks? Here’s what the phenom forward said about potentially wearing the ‘C.’
Florida Hockey Now: We all know the Florida Panthers don’t belong in the category of teams eliminated from the playoffs. Yet, they are. And they’re in the running for the top draft pick at the upcoming draft.
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NBA’s last 5 champions
Over the past five seasons, the NBA has showcased a compelling blend of dynastic resilience, breakthrough contenders, and meticulously constructed rosters. As highlighted by Fox Sports, the veteran brilliance of the Golden State Warriors to the emergence of the Oklahoma City Thunder, this stretch captures a league in transition. Each champion reflects a distinct blueprint for success. Milwaukee leaned on overwhelming physical dominance and superstar force. Denver mastered offensive fluidity through generational playmaking, and Boston engineered one of the most balanced two-way rosters in recent memory.
What stands out most is the diversity in team-building philosophies. The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets relied heavily on continuity and internal development, while the Boston Celtics strategically retooled with high-impact acquisitions. Meanwhile, Golden State reaffirmed the enduring value of chemistry and institutional identity, proving that a well-established system can still thrive in a rapidly evolving league. Oklahoma City’s rise, on the other hand, represents the modern model—patient asset accumulation transformed into a cohesive, explosive contender.
RELATED: Ranking the current NBA playoff duos
Now, as the NBA enters its current playoff stage, the narrative remains unfinished. The question looming over this postseason is whether the next champion will emerge from this recent group of title winners or if a new contender will break through and reshape the hierarchy once again. In a league defined by constant evolution, the answer will add yet another chapter to this already dynamic era.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 championship marked the culmination of one of the most successful rebuilds in modern NBA history. Led by MVP-caliber guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team paired elite shot creation and late-game execution. Emerging stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams provided versatility on both ends, anchoring a defense that could switch and protect the rim. By the Finals, Oklahoma City’s blend of youth, depth, and star power made them the league’s most complete and adaptable team.
2. Boston Celtics — 2024
The Celtics’ 2024 title reinforced their status as one of the league’s premier franchises. Driven by the leadership of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their two-way excellence set the tone. Key additions like Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday elevated both spacing and perimeter defense. Boston’s playoff run highlighted their ability to control tempo and execute under pressure, with contributions coming from a deep and disciplined rotation. The championship ultimately validated a core that had grown through years.
3. Denver Nuggets — 2023
Denver’s 2023 championship run was orchestrated by the brilliance of Nikola Jokić, whose playmaking and efficiency redefined the center position. Alongside him, Jamal Murray delivered clutch scoring, forming one of the league’s most potent duos. The supporting cast—featuring Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon—provided spacing, athleticism, and defensive balance. Their cohesion and unselfish style overwhelmed opponents, that showcased one of the most fluid offenses in recent memory.
RELATED: Longest active playoff droughts in the NBA
4. Golden State Warriors — 2022
The Warriors’ 2022 championship was powered by Stephen Curry, whose Finals performance earned him his first Finals MVP. Veteran leaders Klay Thompson and Draymond Green added to the core, combining shooting, defense, and basketball IQ. Contributors like Andrew Wiggins played a crucial two-way role, particularly in the Finals. The blend of championship experience and timely contributions allowed Golden State to reclaim its place.
5. Milwaukee Bucks — 2021
Milwaukee’s 2021 championship was defined by the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose historic Finals performance cemented his legacy. He was supported by the shot-making of Khris Middleton and the steady playmaking of Jrue Holiday. The Bucks combined physical defense with efficient offense, overwhelming opponents with their size and intensity. Their victory not only ended a 50-year championship drought, it also validated a roster built on trust.
Conclusion
The NBA’s last five champions underscore a league defined by stylistic diversity and strategic innovation. As the current playoffs unfold, the possibility remains that this exclusive list could soon expand—or be reinforced by a familiar powerhouse. Either way, the next champion will continue to reflect the league’s ever-shifting balance between legacy, talent, and opportunity.