Nationals’ Robles says he’ll be set for opener
The defending World Series champion Washington Nationals are counting on having Victor Robles patrolling center field when they open the major league season Thursday night against the visiting New York Yankees.
Robles had his first official workout with Washington after being quarantined for two weeks because he came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. He believes it’s realistic he’ll be ready to play Thursday.
The Blue Jays still are searching for a home stadium this season after Canada’s government barred Toronto from playing in its home stadium amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Pitcher Anthony Bass said the players have told general manager Ross Atkins they would prefer to play in a big league stadium . ... Matthew Boyd will start Detroit’s opener in Cincinnati on Friday night . ... ... Pittsburgh third base prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes is out indefinitely while dealing with the coronavirus . ... Second baseman DJ LeMahieu was in the Yankees’ lineup for the first time since recovering from COVID-19, batting leadoff against the visiting New York Mets in an exhibition. Aaron Judge made his summer exhibition debut for the Yankees and homered twice in a 6-0 win.
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby did not practice a day after leaving a team scrimmage with an undisclosed health issue.
In Budapest, Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix an eighth time to equal Michael Schumacher’s single-venue record and take the Formula One season lead . ... Six-time defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez broke an arm in a crash at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera. Fabio Quartararo won the race.
Cristian Espinoza scored early in the second half, helping the San Jose Earthquakes beat the Chicago Fire 2-0 near Orlando, Fla., to clinch a spot in the MLS Is Back tournament round of 16 . ... Jordan Morris had a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 and secured a berth in the knockout round.
Chelsea was gifted goals by goalie David De Gea to beat Manchester United 3-1 and will return to Wembley Stadium on Aug. 1 to face Arsenal in the FA Cup final . ... Watford fired manager Nigel Pearson with only two games left in the English Premier League season.