Athletes to watch

Michael Phelps

Swimming in his fifth Olympics, he will be competing in his last individual event — the 100-meter butterfly — Friday in Rio. Also in the pool Friday, Katie Ledecky will be making her final individual appearance, in the 800-meter freestyle.

Alex Rodriguez

Speaking of finales, he presumably will be playing for the last time Friday night, when the Yankees play Tampa Bay at home. With his role reduced this season from designated hitter to pinch hitter, the Yankees told the controversial former superstar it would be best if he ended his playing career sooner than later.

Yulieski Gurriel

The recently signed Cuban infielder presumably will be playing his final games in the minor leagues Friday through Sunday, when Corpus Christi plays at home against Arkansas. When the Hooks go on the road to Northwest Arkansas next week, Gurriel is expected to come to Houston to play for the Astros in a series starting Tuesday against St. Louis.

Usain Bolt

If all goes well in the preliminaries, the Jamaican sprinter is expected to win his third consecutive gold medal in the 100 meters Sunday in Rio. He should be back next week for his third consecutive golds in the 200 and 400-meter relay.

Brock Osweiler

You might not be able to watch him for long. The starters probably won’t play more than two or three series in the Texans’ pre-season opener Sunday against the 49ers in Santa Clara. But while he’s in the game, the eyes of Texans’ fans will be upon him to try to gauge whether he can solve their quarterback problems.