Beltran, Lackey on Hall of Fame ballot
Carlos Beltran, John Lackey and Jered Weaver are among 14 newcomers on the Baseball Writers’ Assn. of America’s Hall of Fame ballot in what could turn into an evaluation of the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal. Holdovers include Scott Rolen, Todd Helton and Billy Wagner. Rolen received 249 of 394 votes last year (63.2%), when David Ortiz was elected with 307 votes (77.9%), 11 more than the 75% needed. Helton was on 205 ballots (52%) and Wagner 201 (51%).
Joel Embiid’s sprained left foot will keep him out at least the next two games, joining teammates James Harden and Tyrese Maxey as Philadelphia 76ers stars sidelined by injuries . ... The Connecticut Sun hired Stephanie White as coach. White succeeds Curt Miller, who left to coach the Sparks last month. She has a combined 15 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the WNBA.
The Denver Broncos waived veteran running back Melvin Gordon, a former Charger, a day after his fumble at the goal line proved costly in their 22-16 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that sent them tumbling into the AFC West basement at 3-7 . ... Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has a knee injury that will sideline him in the short term . ... The New York Giants lost rookie wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson for the season to a torn ACL. The status of four other starters against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday is uncertain.
Investigators identified Brandon Travis as the New Mexico student who was fatally shot and accused him of planning an assault on Mike Peake, the starting power forward for New Mexico State’s basketball team, who was shot. Police said Travis, two other students and a teenage girl lured Peake onto campus, leading to a shootout.
Mark Parsons was named the new coach of the Washington Spirit, returning to the NWSL team he led from 2013 to 2015.
Brown freshman Olivia Pichardo made history as the first woman to make a Division I baseball roster. Grant Achilles said Pichardo made the varsity as a walk-on utility player, saying she had the most complete walk-on tryout he had witnessed as a coach.
Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez pleaded not guilty to felony attempted murder, assault and weapons charges in a case involving a man who allegedly sexually abused one of Velasquez’s children.