Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Danny Welbeck: Brighton Reunion Will Be Special

    Danny Welbeck: Brighton Reunion Will Be Special

    Danny Welbeck is no stranger to facing former Premier League clubs, but Chelsea’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday will carry particular significance for the striker.

    Welbeck has represented several Premier League teams during his career and has regularly faced former team-mates. That will happen again when Chelsea take on Brighton this weekend, but the familiarity will not lessen the importance of the fixture.

    Brighton remain an important part of Welbeck’s career story, making the match one he is eagerly anticipating.

    ‘It’s a special one because Brighton are my former team,’ Welbeck said. ‘Fortunately for me, I’ve played against my old teams quite a lot during my career, so it isn’t anything too new.‘I’m really looking forward to it and I’m excited to keep pushing on.’

    The fixture will give Welbeck another chance to build on his impressive start to life at Chelsea.

    Moving to a new club inevitably involves a period of adjustment as players adapt to different surroundings, team-mates and working methods. However, Welbeck has felt at home since arriving at Cobham.

    The forward has appreciated the warm welcome from his new team-mates, staff and Chelsea supporters. The presence of several familiar faces also helped make his transition smoother.

    After scoring on his debut against Luton Town on Thursday night, Welbeck is enjoying the early stages of his career as a Chelsea player.

    ‘I’ve really enjoyed it and it has been pretty easy for me to settle,’ he explained. ‘It’s such a great group and the staff are very welcoming in and around the training ground.‘Everybody has been great with me and I’ve been received really well by the fans, so I really appreciate that.‘It was also nice to know a few familiar faces when I walked through the door, which helped me settle. Now I just want to keep building and improving every single day.’

    Welbeck encouraged by Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea start

    Welbeck is also relishing the opportunity to work under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.

    Chelsea are continuing to adapt to Alonso’s methods, with new tactical ideas being introduced while players return to the squad at different stages following the World Cup and injuries. Welbeck believes patience and hard work will be essential as those ideas develop, but he has been encouraged by the opening weeks and is excited about the team’s prospects.

    ‘It’s been really good and it has been a positive start, but we’re only a couple of games in,’ he added. ‘We have to keep working hard and keep learning the new ideas he is bringing to us.‘There are a lot of new messages, while some players came back a little later and new players are being integrated and having to settle. But it has been really good up until now and there are really exciting times ahead.’

    Source: www.chelseafc.com

  • Lin-Manuel Miranda Says “Octet” Group Chat with Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Zegler and More Is ‘Lit’ (Exclusive)

    Lin-Manuel Miranda Says “Octet” Group Chat with Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Zegler and More Is ‘Lit’ (Exclusive)

    Lin-Manuel Miranda Says Octet Cast Has “Perfect Harmony”

    Lin-Manuel Miranda says the cast of his upcoming Octet musical film developed a close bond and flawless vocal chemistry from the beginning.

    Miranda, 46, spoke with PEOPLE at the Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York event in New York City on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The director said it was “such a dream” to hear the film’s stars sing together for the first time.

    “It was the first day of rehearsal. And frankly, they formed such a special unit,” said Miranda, who attended the event with his wife, Vanessa Nadal. “I’m really just excited to finish the film to honor their collaboration. They had to become this insane eight-part harmony singing unit, and they did.”

    He added, “The group chat is lit, and I can’t wait for you all to see [the movie].”

    Who Stars in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Octet Film?

    Written by Dave Malloy and directed by Miranda, the movie adapts the stage musical Octet, which premiered Off-Broadway in 2019. The official synopsis reads: “Eight internet-obsessed people meet in a church basement and lock their phones in a box,” and continues, “The musical follows the octet as they struggle with digital dependency, charting their compulsions using only the analog vibrancy of their own voices.”

    The film’s octet will be played by Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Zegler, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phillipa Soo, Gaten Matarazzo, Jonathan Groff, Tramell Tillman and Paul-Jordan Jansen.

    Lin-Manuel Miranda and wife Vanessa Nadal at the Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York event in New York City on Aug. 25, 2026. Credit: John Nacion/WireImage

    Miranda announced the cast on April 14 by sharing a photo of a rehearsal sign-in sheet on Instagram and writing, “Rehearsals have begun.”

    He first revealed on April 2 that he would direct a film adaptation of Octet.

    “I haven’t stopped thinking about Octet since I saw Annie Tippe’s premiere production in November of 2019,” he said at the time. “Dave Malloy’s score is versatile, brilliant and grows more relevant with each passing year. It won’t leave me alone, so here we are.”

    Amanda Seyfried and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty; Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty

    Amanda Seyfried and Sheryl Lee Ralph on Octet

    Seyfried, 40, later told PEOPLE that she immediately agreed to join the film despite initially not knowing what the project was.

    “I didn’t even know what it was exactly,” she explained while attending the 2026 Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Gala on April 16. “I just knew that Lin-Manuel Miranda was making a new project and he was directing a new movie, and it was a musical. … I did meet with him. I mean, I’d met him before, you know, around town, but I met with him specifically for this project. I was like, ‘I don’t care what it is. I’m in.’ And he said, ‘Let me just explain it to you.’ ”

    “But it’s a cappella, and I’m a born singer,” Seyfried continued. “It’s what I love to do. It’s what makes me happy, and to do it for work is absolutely better than I could have ever hoped, so I’m in it right now. We’re in it right now, and some of the best moments of my life have just happened this week.”

    Ralph said she felt “frightened” about taking on a role in Octet.

    “I’d have to honestly say, working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and that cast of eight was one of the most challenging things I have ever done in a very long time. It frightened me to my core,” she said on the red carpet before the 8th Annual African American Film Critics Association TV Honors on Aug. 8.

    “But having come through it, I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I’m all the better for having taken that difficult journey,’ ” Ralph, 69, added.

    Octet does not yet have a release date.

  • Atlético Beats Sevilla 3-1 as Álvarez Is Not Even Named to the Bench

    Atlético Beats Sevilla 3-1 as Álvarez Is Not Even Named to the Bench

    Atlético Madrid put its off-field problems aside on Saturday, beating Sevilla 3-1 in La Liga.

    Argentina forward Julián Álvarez was not even on the bench as Atlético Madrid secured a comfortable victory. Atlético insisted on Thursday that Álvarez would not be sold to Barcelona, but the Argentine star did not train with his teammates for most of the week.

    Álvarez was also left out of Atlético’s squad for the opening match of the Spanish league season and was booed by the club’s supporters during Sunday’s game after entering as a substitute.

    Atlético Madrid takes control before halftime

    In the striker’s absence, Álex Baena scored twice and Ademola Lookman added another goal as Atlético surged to a 3-0 lead by halftime.

    Coach Diego Simeone praised Baena, saying he has been a decisive player.

    “El año pasado creo que arrancó en un muy buen nivel, donde obviamente podíamos ponerlo en cualquier lado y creo que sin ninguna duda la confianza, la seguridad, la alegría, lo emocional del Mundial le ha venido muy bien”, reconoció.

    Simeone also praised his players for responding despite not having a “delanter delatero”.

    “Sobre todo el compromiso, sobre todo la identidad de lo que somos y de lo que queremos. Estuvimos hablando bastante después del entrenamiento del viernes y previo al partido lo mismo”, indicó.

    “Sabemos dónde están los objetivos, dónde están los partidos importantes y por suerte tuvimos unos creo que 60 minutos muy buenos donde cada jugada en transición generaba vértigo y peligro”,

    It was Sevilla’s first defeat of the season.

    ___View the complete AP soccer coverage here

    Source: apnews.com

  • Apple Folding iPhone at Last? What to Expect From Apple’s Surprise and Shine Fall Event

    Apple Folding iPhone at Last? What to Expect From Apple’s Surprise and Shine Fall Event

    Apple is expected to unveil its fall hardware lineup on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at its Surprise and Shine event. After months of leaks and speculation, this year’s presentation could mark one of the company’s biggest departures from its usual launch strategy.

    The event will also carry symbolic weight for Apple. Tim Cook announced in April that he would step down as CEO after nearly 15 years in the role, which he assumed after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs resigned in 2011. John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, is expected to take over as CEO just days before the event.

    Apple is also widely rumored to delay the standard iPhone 18 until next year. That would leave the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the primary September launches, alongside the company’s much-anticipated first foldable phone, which is expected to be called the iPhone Ultra.

    Pricing will be a major focus. Apple increased prices for several computers and home devices this summer, citing memory-chip supply chain problems linked largely to the artificial intelligence race. Price increases for Apple Music and Apple TV subscriptions have added to the pressure on consumers.

    Read more: Win a New Apple Watch as CNET Guessing Game: Apple Edition Returns for Round 3

    iPhone 18 lineup could arrive in stages

    Apple’s iPhone 18 launch may look different from previous years. The company is reportedly planning an extended rollout, with the foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max expected in September. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18E and a possible iPhone Air 2 may not arrive until spring 2027.

    Analyst leaks suggest the iPhone Ultra will use a book-style foldable design. It is expected to open like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, transforming into a small tablet rather than folding vertically like a traditional flip phone.

    A rumored price of around $2,000 would make the iPhone Ultra more of a luxury product than a replacement for the standard iPhone 18. That positioning could limit its appeal: A recent CNET survey found that 75% of US adults are not interested in foldable phones.

    Rumored iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max features include larger batteries, variable-aperture cameras and Apple’s new A20 processor. The phones could also offer improved satellite connectivity, a smaller Dynamic Island and redesigned rear camera islands. Possible color options include light blue, dark cherry and dark gray.

    The new iPhones are expected to run Apple’s next-generation operating systems. iOS 27, which is expected to include a major Siri AI update, could launch this fall alongside MacOS Golden Gate, Apple TVOS 27 and other software updates. Apple introduced the software at WWDC in June, and public beta versions are already available.

    Apple Watch Series 12 may focus on battery life and health

    A new Apple Watch Series 12 is “all but guaranteed,” CNET wearables expert Vanessa Hand Orellana says. A new Apple Watch SE or Ultra model is considered less likely because both product lines were refreshed in 2025.

    The Series 12 and a possible Apple Watch Ultra 4 could receive new processors designed to extend performance and usable life. The most significant design update may be mechanical rather than cosmetic, with more energy-efficient display technology potentially improving battery life without reducing screen brightness.

    Apple could call the new chip the S12, even though “S11” would be the expected name in the sequence. A more efficient processor would further improve battery performance.

    Another possible feature is biometric authentication. Internal code leaks reportedly suggest Apple is exploring Touch ID for the Apple Watch, although it remains unclear when the technology might become available.

    Health features, including blood pressure monitoring, are also rumored to be in development, but their inclusion is not guaranteed. Apple’s AI overhaul of the Health app has reportedly encountered difficulties.

    Early testing indicates that watchOS 27, including Siri AI features, could significantly improve compatible Apple Watch models. However, not every existing watch will support the update. Apple Watch prices were not affected by the company’s summer increases, though higher starting prices remain possible after similar moves by Google and Samsung.

    AirPods may add cameras and AI features

    One of the biggest Apple rumors involves the next-generation AirPods. The earbuds could include a tiny infrared camera designed not for photography, but to scan the surrounding environment and support visual intelligence features and AI-generated responses.

    The rumored AirPods 5 may retain a design similar to the AirPods 4 while receiving performance upgrades.

    The possibility of camera-equipped “AirPods Ultra” has drawn criticism from technology enthusiasts, particularly after a summer of concerns about other AI wearables with cameras, including Meta’s smart glasses. Apple has long emphasized privacy, making its explanation for any camera-enabled earbuds especially important if the company moves forward with the product.

    Apple typically updates AirPods on a roughly two-year cycle, making the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 Pro possible candidates for a fall release. The current AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are “something of a technological marvel,” CNET headphones expert David Carnoy said.

    Active noise cancellation is difficult to implement effectively in an open-earbud design, but Apple’s previous results could provide a foundation for further improvements. The Apple-owned Beats 360 headphones may also receive an update this fall.

    For more buying advice, see CNET’s guides to the best iPhones and best MacBooks for 2026.

    Source: www.cnet.com

  • Diamondbacks Select Derek Law’s Contract

    Diamondbacks Select Derek Law’s Contract

    The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected right-hander Derek Law’s contract from Triple-A Reno, adding a veteran reliever to their bullpen for the stretch run.

    Left-hander Mitch Bratt was also recalled from Reno to serve as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants. In the corresponding move for Law, left-hander Kohl Drake was optioned to Reno. Arizona did not need to make a 40-man roster move because the team had only 39 players on its 40-man roster.

    Derek Law returns to the major leagues

    Law has pitched in the majors for six different clubs during his eight seasons in the Show. He will add Arizona to that list once he makes his Diamondbacks debut.

    The right-hander has not pitched in the majors since September 2024. He missed all of last season because of arm problems that ultimately led to flexor tendon surgery in July 2025.

    Law returned to game action with two Rookie League appearances in May, but another setback kept him sidelined until August 12. He then began a five-game rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Reno.

    Across 6 1/3 innings for Reno, Law allowed five hits while issuing no walks and giving up no runs. That performance convinced the Diamondbacks they had seen enough to promote the veteran to the major-league bullpen.

    Diamondbacks add bullpen depth

    It remains to be seen what Law can provide after such a lengthy layoff, but he owns a strong track record as a major-league reliever. He has a 3.69 ERA across 346 career innings.

    Law has never been a high-strikeout pitcher. Instead, he has succeeded by limiting hard contact, posting a 37.1% career hard-hit rate. His most recent MLB season was also one of his best: Law recorded a 2.60 ERA and a 48.5% ground-ball rate across 90 innings for the Washington Nationals in 2024 while producing elite chase and barrel rates.

    Arizona would gladly accept a similar performance as it looks to strengthen its bullpen for the postseason push. The Diamondbacks entered today’s action a half-game behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot, while their 4.44 bullpen ERA since the All-Star break ranked 23rd among MLB’s 30 teams.

    Source: www.mlbtraderumors.com

  • Official Juventus Team to Face Parma: David and Kolo Muani Start

    Official Juventus Team to Face Parma: David and Kolo Muani Start

    Juventus welcome Parma to the Allianz Stadium, with Luciano Spalletti’s team looking to build on their opening-day victory over Frosinone.

    Juventus must improve their performance

    Juventus secured a win against Frosinone, but the result was not as convincing as the team would have wanted. After a largely positive pre-season, they now need to reproduce that form in Serie A and develop greater consistency.

    Their defence has appeared stable and comfortable when defending, but clean sheets will count for little if Juventus cannot improve their attacking output. Both areas must work more effectively if the club is to achieve its ambitions this season.

    The match against Parma gives Juventus an opportunity to learn from the mistakes made in their first league fixture. The hosts will need to create more in attack, show greater consistency and produce a stronger display at home.

    Parma determined to respond

    Parma will not make the match easy for the hosts. The visitors have lost several important players this summer and suffered a home defeat to Cagliari in their opening game, but they remain determined to compete for points.

    Another defeat would be an unwanted start to the campaign, so Parma will be eager to respond with an improved performance. They are expected to make Juventus work hard for anything they take from the fixture.

    Juventus have enough quality to control the match, but they cannot afford to underestimate Parma. The home side must show that it has addressed the weaknesses from its opening performance and deliver a more convincing result at the Allianz Stadium.

    Source: sports.yahoo.com

  • Patriots Acquire Running Back in Trade With Cardinals

    Patriots Acquire Running Back in Trade With Cardinals

    The New England Patriots have added another contender to their running back competition just before roster cutdown day, acquiring Corey Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

    Kiner, 24, played college football at LSU and Cincinnati, recording 556 carries for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns over four seasons. He went undrafted in 2025 and initially signed with the San Francisco 49ers before spending time on the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings and Cardinals.

    The running back appeared in four games for Arizona during his rookie regular season. He has recorded 12 carries for 58 yards in the NFL, along with two receptions for 15 yards and one kickoff return for 22 yards.

    Corey Kiner’s role with the Patriots

    Listed at 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds, Kiner is expected to compete for the Patriots’ third running back role behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

    New England had been searching for a reliable RB3 throughout the summer. The team’s other options at the position include Lan Larison, Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins and JaMycal Hasty.

    How would you grade the Corey Kiner trade?

    The Patriots have added a new running back, but what do you think about the move? Please participate in our poll and let the community know your feelings in the comment section below.

  • How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees: TV Channel, Live Stream, and Game Time

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees: TV Channel, Live Stream, and Game Time

    The Boston Red Sox visit the New York Yankees on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.

    New York enters Saturday with a 76-58 record (.567), while Boston is 73-61 (.545). The Yankees began the day with 184 home runs, the second-highest total in Major League Baseball behind Washington’s 190.

    How to Watch Red Sox vs. Yankees

    • When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. ET
    • Where: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
    • TV: FOX
    • Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports

    Raymond Burgos is listed as Boston’s probable starter, while Max Fried is lined up to start for New York. However, Boston had not announced its Game 2 starter in the additional team information provided for the matchup.

    Players to Watch

    Ben Rice, Yankees

    Rice is New York’s biggest power threat in the FOX nightcap. He is batting .255 with 35 home runs and 83 RBI, giving Boston one hitter it cannot afford to challenge carelessly.

    His assignment does not change. If Rice gets a pitch to drive with runners aboard, he can quickly change a close rivalry game. That power makes him the priority in any high-leverage at-bat.

    Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees

    Chisholm gives the Yankees a source of pressure beyond the home run. He has 18 homers, 53 RBI and 38 stolen bases, forcing Boston to account for his speed as soon as he reaches base.

    That could matter even more in the second game of a doubleheader, when both bullpens may be carrying extra work. If Chisholm creates a scoring chance without needing another hit, New York gains an edge. Boston cannot lose track of him between pitches once he is aboard.

    William Contreras, Red Sox

    Contreras is Boston’s most complete middle-of-the-order threat. He is batting .278 with 26 home runs, 78 RBI and a .908 OPS, combining power with the plate discipline to extend an inning.

    New York cannot give him traffic and a favorable count. If Contreras reaches base or drives in runners, the Red Sox have the production they need to match the Yankees in the nightcap. His patience also gives Boston a way to make New York work.

    Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox

    Rafaela gives Boston contact, extra-base power and speed in the same spot. He is batting .287 with 16 home runs, 66 RBI and 17 stolen bases.

    His ability to put the ball in play can help Boston create pressure before Contreras and the rest of the middle order come up. With Fried lined up for New York and Boston yet to announce its Game 2 starter, Rafaela’s versatility gives the Red Sox several ways to build an inning throughout the game.

    Red Sox vs. Yankees Odds and Schedule

    Learn more about the Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees game and check the full MLB schedule on FOX Sports.

    Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

    Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience.

    Source: www.foxsports.com

  • Mateus Fernandes Is the Immediate Solution for Gallagher’s Vacant Spot

    Mateus Fernandes Is the Immediate Solution for Gallagher’s Vacant Spot

    Mateus Fernandes Emerges as Tottenham’s Immediate Solution in Midfield

    Mateus Fernandes has changed perceptions of his arrival at Tottenham after just two matches and is now being viewed as the club’s immediate solution to the position previously occupied by Conor Gallagher. With James Maddison injured and Tottenham short of attacking midfield options, the 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder has emerged as the most viable choice to lead the team’s creativity in the coming weeks.

    Signed from West Ham for £85 million, Fernandes was one of Tottenham’s few bright spots in their opening Premier League 2026/27 match against Brentford. He came on in the second half and added stability to a midfield that had been dominated. On Wednesday, during the second round of the League Cup, he started against Charlton Athletic and was again the best midfielder on the pitch, strengthening his partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur.

    His early performances have changed the view of a transfer that many considered overpriced and placed Fernandes at the centre of Tottenham’s solution to an immediate tactical problem.

    Tottenham signing increasingly viewed as a potential bargain

    Before the deal was completed, the £85 million fee attracted criticism, particularly from supporters of clubs that had tried to sign Fernandes, including Manchester United. After his first appearances, however, the assessment is that Fernandes could prove to be worth even more than Tottenham paid.

    The club’s own recent spending provides a point of comparison. Tottenham invested £100 million in Serie A champion Sandro Tonali, while the former West Ham midfielder has made an impact that has arguably exceeded expectations for the Italian. Fernandes is also performing at a higher level than he showed at the London club last season, helped by the stronger squad around him.

    Defensive work, intensity and quality when playing out from the back have been the most obvious features of Fernandes’ early performances. It is still too soon to declare that the £85 million fee represents a bargain, but Tottenham supporters are already considering that possibility. Comparisons with other major signings in English football have strengthened the argument, with Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez costing Chelsea more than £100 million each.

    Injuries reshape Tottenham’s midfield options

    The injuries in Tottenham’s squad have increased the pressure for Fernandes to become an immediate solution. Maddison suffered a shoulder injury against Brentford after coming on as a substitute. The midfielder had not started a match since returning from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered towards the end of the 2024/25 season.

    The injury is not considered serious, but Tottenham are now without their main number 10 at a time when options in the position are limited. Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are also recovering from ACL injuries, leaving Maddison and Gallagher as the squad’s only specialist attacking midfielders.

    Gallagher fails to take his opportunity

    With Maddison unavailable, Gallagher would have been the natural choice among Tottenham’s more experienced players. His performance against Brentford, however, fell well below expectations and revived the worst memories of Tottenham’s difficult period last season. His improvement under Roberto De Zerbi at the end of the previous campaign was not enough to convince supporters.

    Luca Williams-Barnett, one of the discoveries of pre-season, has a major opportunity but is still considered too inexperienced for the Premier League.

    Fernandes has the profile to play as a number 10

    The current assessment is that Fernandes could offer more than Gallagher even in a more advanced role. Although he is naturally a defensive midfielder, the Portuguese player has the qualities required of a pressing attacking midfielder and offers advantages over Conor Gallagher in areas such as athleticism, passing, tackling and creativity.

    Moving Fernandes into a playmaking role would not hinder his development, according to the assessment formed after his first two matches. Playing further forward could help him develop into a future number 6 or number 8, following a similar path to Archie Gray, who was previously used out of position in defence.

    In the short term, a midfield pairing of Fernandes and Bentancur is considered far more solid than one featuring Gallagher at the level he showed against Brentford. For that reason, Tottenham are considering starting the Portuguese midfielder as their number 10 in the coming weeks.

  • Giants Select Seth Lonsway in MLB Draft; Latest Trade Rumors

    Giants Select Seth Lonsway in MLB Draft; Latest Trade Rumors

    The San Francisco Giants announced three roster moves ahead of today’s doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Matt Wilkinson will start Game 1 after being called up from Triple-A Sacramento and will serve as the official 27th man for the twin bill.

    The Giants also optioned right-hander Spencer Bivens to Sacramento and selected the contract of left-hander Seth Lonsway. No additional move was needed to add Lonsway because San Francisco had an open spot on its 40-man roster.

    Seth Lonsway set for MLB debut

    Lonsway will make his Major League debut the first time he enters a game. That could happen today, as the Giants are likely to need several pitchers to complete both games of the doubleheader.

    The 27-year-old Lonsway was selected by San Francisco in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Ohio State.

    Known primarily as a ground-ball specialist, Lonsway has produced a 57.7% groundball rate across 75 2/3 combined innings at the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season. He does not generate many strikeouts and does not rely on high velocity, rarely throwing a traditional four-seam fastball.

    Lonsway’s primary pitch is a 90.4-mph sinker. He also uses a cutter, changeup and slider to keep hitters off balance.

    Giants prospect could provide long relief

    Across 114 career innings at Triple-A, Lonsway has recorded a 5.37 ERA while making 25 starts in 29 appearances. The hitter-friendly conditions of the Pacific Coast League are an important factor when evaluating Giants prospects, and Lonsway’s ground-ball-heavy approach has also been affected by some unfavorable batted-ball results in Sacramento.

    At Double-A, Lonsway has posted a 3.02 ERA with stronger control numbers over 128 1/3 innings. He started 24 of his 26 games for San Francisco’s Richmond affiliate.

    The Giants could use Lonsway as a starting pitcher in the majors, but a long-relief role may offer him the best chance to remain on a big league roster. It is unclear whether his first stint in the majors will extend beyond this weekend, though a strong performance could put him in consideration for a spot in next year’s bullpen.

    Source: www.mlbtraderumors.com