Justin Verlander won’t be ready for Opening Day, Houston Astros confirm

The three-time Cy Young Award winner has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation during the offseason. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will open the season on the injured list after dealing with right shoulder inflammation during the offseason. Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander, 41, hasn’t suffered any setbacks but … Read more

Spurs’ Wembanyama closing the gap with Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year, according to oddsmakers

Oddsmakers give Wemby a boost in odds to capture the DPOY. SAN ANTONIO — Las Vegas oddsmakers are busy with 2023-24 NBA prop futures, and with the season winding down, San Antonio Spurs‘ Victor Wembanyama is closing the gap to win the 2023-24 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. According to Vegas oddsmakers at FanDuel, … Read more

How a Maine youth basketball coach gave one kid a chance to shine

Eleven-year-old Alex Parsons just started playing basketball this season with Fairfield’s Police Athletic League. FAIRFIELD, Maine — The high school basketball season is finished as the state champions hoisted their hardware on Saturday. But how those young adults reach that level of success starts at a young age, even in a less competitive environment like … Read more