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Elland Road was a very toxic place to be at the full-time whistle on Sunday as Leeds United slipped into the Premier League relegation spaces.

Leeds weren’t completely abject against Aston Villa, but football is a game of fine margins, and Unai Emery’s travelling side just about managed to get the better of the Whites in the 2-1 loss, to hand them their fifth defeat from their last six Premier League games.

That is the sort of dire form that gets you sacked, with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” even being hurled Daniel Farke’s way as he continues to remain on very thin ice in the Leeds dug-out.

Names are beginning to emerge that could replace the under-fire German, too, as a dismissal begins to feel somewhat inevitable…

Who could replace Farke at Leeds?

The Mirror has speculated on a couple of contenders who could come into the relegation-threatened hot seat if Farke is to be put out of his misery soon.

Indeed, Carlos Corberan is named as one possible replacement for the ex-Norwich City boss, with the Spaniard previously calling West Yorkshire home with Huddersfield Town, alongside also formerly being on the coaching staff at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa’s revered tenure.

Moreover, the Mirror also throws Marco Rose, Brendan Rodgers, and Ange Postecoglou into the mix, with the high-energy football Bielsa used to serve up no doubt coming back to the forefront if the out-of-work Australian were to take on another Premier League vacancy.

Yet, he isn’t the only face that holds some similarities to the enigmatic Argentine, who could soon be Leeds’ saviour. Thiago Motta is certainly another name that catches the eye.

The report states that he models his game on Bielsa, and the ex-Bologna manager has been previously linked with a switch to England, so this could go down as a match made in heaven.

How Motta could be Leeds' next Bielsa

Amazingly, Motta’s name has been floating about as a candidate to be the next manager at Elland Road since April, with the time now looking right for Leeds to swoop in and win their next boss, as he remains out of work and Farke remains on a precarious tight-rope.

As per The Athletic, the former Italy international is a disciple of Bielsa, with both his Bologna and Juventus teams being structured around playing the same vibrant, fast, forward-thinking football that the Uruguay manager became known for during his memorable stay in West Yorkshire.

Games managed

195

Wins

84

Draws

52

Losses

59

Goals scored

302

Goals conceded

249

Points accumulated

304

That is seen looking at the table above, with 302 goals put away in some tense environments in the Serie A at the helm of both Bologna and Juventus.

While he did get the sack from the Old Lady, Leeds fans, in particular, will look at his Bologna stint with plenty of promise as to how he could transform the relegation-doomed outfit’s fortunes.

From his two seasons at the helm of the Serie A side, he turned the usual relegation strugglers into an easy-on-the-eye watch heading for the European positions.

Motta secured a ninth-place finish and a fifth-place finish during his two seasons at the club, which included Champions League football coming on the menu, much like Bielsa managed to steer Leeds to an unexpected ninth spot during the 2020/21 season, right after promotion.

Serie A expert James Horncastle would even go out of his way to label the 4-2-3-1-focused manager as “special” for his achievements in Italy, with Bielsa no stranger to similar latherings of praise when he was still in West Yorkshire, as murals even ended up being dedicated to the transformative South American.

Bielsa also managed to be a breath of fresh air that was desperately needed after Leeds had struggled for some time. Could Motta be the same spark in the here and now that finally allows the Whites to be seen as a team capable of survival and far more in the Premier League?

Of course, it would be an almighty gamble to throw in a manager, no matter his reputation, into a relegation dog-fight, in a country he isn’t all too aware of.

But, Bielsa instantly hit the ground running in the Championship, and if Leeds want to be bold and try something new away from the defeats currently piling up under Farke, Motta might well be their desired man.

Forget Aaronson: It's a sackable offence if Farke starts £14m Leeds man again

Daniel Farke must be sacked at Leeds United if he continues to start this ropey dud.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

Rishabh Pant is understood to be in his final stretch of rehab and is due to undergo a fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence later this week

Shashank Kishore07-Oct-20253:28

What does the squad for the WI Tests tell us?

Rishabh Pant could return to action in the second round of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, starting October 25, and set in motion the process to come back to Test cricket during the two-match series against South Africa from November 14. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, had hinted at Pant being in the fray for the South Africa Tests when he spoke late last month in Dubai at the time of announcing the squad for the ongoing Test series against West Indies.Pant, who had fractured his right foot in the Old Trafford Test in late July, is understood to be in his final stretch of rehab and is due to undergo a fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru later this week.His foot was taken out of the cast more than three weeks ago, and he is understood to be moving without any discomfort now. He has been working on strengthening the foot through mobility exercises and weight training drills, and has also resumed batting.Related

Tireless Bawne will 'put the body on the line' again to try and win the Ranji Trophy

The bravery and the outrageousness of Rishabh Pant

If cleared, Pant is expected to link up with the Delhi squad, which plays in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy from October 15 away against Hyderabad, for which Pant remains “slightly doubtful” according to the DDCA. The second game is at home at the Feroz Shah Kotla against Himachal Pradesh.Pant has been out of action since reverse-sweeping Chris Woakes on to his foot in the fourth England-India Test. He was forced to retire hurt, with scans confirming a fracture. While Pant returned to bat the next day, he couldn’t keep wicket. He finished the series with 479 runs in four Tests, which included two centuries and three half-centuries.In Pant’s absence, India have picked Dhruv Jurel and N Jagadeesan as the wicketkeepers for the ongoing Test series against West Indies. Pant is also missing the white-ball tour of Australia from October 19 as he hadn’t received a “return to play” certificate from the CoE.It’s likely Pant will lead Delhi for the duration of his availability. For the moment, the squad will be led by Ayush Badoni, Pant’s IPL team-mate at Lucknow Super Giants.

Tottenham have confirmed that club legend Son Heung-min is set to return to north London to watch next week's Champions League fixture with Slavia Prague. The forward, who moved on to MLS side Los Angeles FC for a £20m fee in the summer, will now get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the club's fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 9.

Son heading back to Spurs

Spurs have made a surprise announcement and confirmed that Son will be in attendance for their next Champions League match. Son moved to MLS straight after Spurs' pre-season tour of Asia, where he said an emotional farewell to the club in front of adoring fans in South Korea, and will now get the chance to say a proper farewell at Tottenham's home ground.

Tottenham said in a statement: "Sonny will take to the pitch before the team walk-outs ahead of the 20:00 kick-off against the Czech champions. He will then have the opportunity to personally address the supporters that took him into their hearts following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and treasured him for the next 10 years – it is sure to be an emotional occasion in N17."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'It will be emotional' – Son relishing return

Son has also admitted it's going to be an emotional affair when he returns to north London. He told the club's media: “When I announced my difficult decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was in Korea and I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium.

"Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family. It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens.”

Spurs have also confirmed that work is continuing on a mural on Tottenham High Road to pay tribute to Son that will “further celebrate the legacy that Sonny has left in this part of North London”. The design has been chosen by the man himself and is due to be finished in time for the club legend's visit on December 9.

Son thriving in Los Angeles

Son has been thriving in MLS with LAFC since his summer move from Spurs. The South Korea international scored 12 goals and grabbed four assists for his new side in just 13 appearances before the end of the MLS season. LAFC's campaign ended with a play-off defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, leaving Son with time to head back home for an emotional reunion with Spurs. The 33-year-old spent a decade in north London, scoring 173 goals during his time with the Lilywhites, and departed after captaining the club to Europa League glory over Manchester United. The win sealed a first trophy for Tottenham in 17 years and further cemented Son's place in the club's history.

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GettyWhat next for Son?

Although Son will be in north London next week, he has played down talk of a playing return to Spurs during the MLS off-season. There had been speculation that the South Korean ace could look for a temporary transfer over the winter, but Son has made his loyalty to his new club crystal clear. 

“I’ve never spoken to any club about a winter move. Such talk is simply untrue,” he told TV Chosun. “For me, showing respect to my club and giving everything where I play – that’s what matters most. That won’t change.

“I will not leave LAFC this winter, or ever, while I’m here. I respect this club deeply. As long as I’m wearing this badge, there will be no such thing as a loan or a move. Never.”

Roger Clemens had a pretty special Saturday as he got to watch his son, Kody, play at the ballpark where he pitched for many years. Kody, currently a Minnesota Twins infielder, hit a two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park Saturday—the first game he played at the legendary park.

Roger watched on from a box inside the stadium as he wore neutral clothing, including a 151st Kentucky Derby hat ahead of the Run for the Roses Saturday. And he loved every second of it.

Roger pitched for the Red Sox for 13 seasons to begin his illustrious 24-year MLB career. After his tenure in Boston, he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as a free agent before he was dealt to Boston's bitter rival, the New York Yankees, two seasons later. The 11-time All-Star made four All-Star appearances over his time in Boston. He threw two 20-strikeout games over his career, both with the Red Sox.

Kody made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2022 and made 56 appearances for the team before he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2023 season. The Phillies traded him to the Twins on April 26 for cash considerations, setting him up for his first career game at Fenway Park.

He wasn't included in the Twins' lineup in the first game of the weekend series Friday, but got the start at second base Saturday. And he provided an awesome Boston sports moment, even if it meant the away team hitting a home run.

Everton have now reportedly made an enquiry over signing a South American forward, who will be worth as much as £40m in 2026.

Moyes: Everton want to be "challenging for Europe"

After victory over Bournemouth in midweek, David Moyes looked ahead to his side’s clash against Nottingham Forest this afternoon with plenty of ambition in mind. The veteran manager, whilst urging Everton to stay realistic, admitted that he wants the Toffees to be a team “challenging for Europe”.

He told reporters: “If we can get another win against Nottingham Forest, we push ourselves right in there again, but in the same breath we’re all looking over our shoulder because we want to get more distance between the bottom of the league and the ones at the bottom at the moment.”

Given how tight the Premier League table is, Everton may not be far off where they want to be by the end of the weekend. Heading into the weekend, Moyes’ side sit 10th, but only three points adrift of the top four. If results go their way, they could find themselves in a sensational position.

It would then be about keeping hold of that European place and that’s something the January transfer window would help. On that front, The Friedkin Group have already got a number of targets in mind.

According to recent reports, Everton have now joined the race to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid as he looks to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad by returning to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, they’re also on the hunt for a striker amid Thierno Barry’s poor start and Beto’s continued struggles. It’s very much been the missing piece for Moyes and Everton have reportedly turned towards Yuri Alberto as a result.

Everton make enquiry to sign Yuri Alberto

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now made an enquiry over signing Alberto in 2026. The Corinthians forward is reportedly valued at as much as £40m, but could prove to be worth the price given how he’s starred since returning to Brazil in 2023.

Dubbed “superb” by South American expert Nathan Joyes last November, Alberto’s since enjoyed an excellent campaign in Brazil – scoring 18 goals in 54 games in all competitions.

As Everton search for the clinical striker that they so desperately need, the 24-year-old could finally get the Premier League move that has been on the cards for a couple of years.

Everton eyeing up move to sign former-Liverpool star who's been "fantastic"

He could come back to haunt Liverpool.

1 ByTom Cunningham Dec 3, 2025

£40m is, of course, a steep price to pay but that price would turn into a bargain if Alberto helped the Toffees into shock European contention this season.

Everton now ready to compete in race to sign "physical" La Liga star in £35m deal

South Africa coach says, “the only context I ever intended it to be was that we wanted India to spend a lot of time in the field”

Firdose Moonda06-Dec-2025South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has clarified that he did not intend “to cause any malice,” when he said his team wanted to make India “grovel” during the Guwahati Test.Speaking to the media for the first time since he made that statement, Conrad stopped short of an apology but indicated he regretted his choice of words as South Africa worked their way to a 2-0 Test sweep.”On reflection, it was never my intention to cause any malice or not be humble about anything. I could have chosen a better word because it left it open for people to put their own context to it,” Conrad said after South Africa’s 2-1 ODI series loss in Visakhapatnam. “The only context I ever intended it to be was that we wanted India to spend a lot of time in the field and make it really tough for them. I’ve got to be careful what word I use here now because context could be attached to that as well.”Related

'Wanted them to really grovel' – SA coach Shukri Conrad on keeping India on the field

Jaiswal, Rohit, Kohli lead India to 2-1 series win

Conrad had made the comment after the fourth day’s play of the second Test, when South Africa batted deep into their second innings and set India a target of 549. When asked why they didn’t declare earlier, Conrad had said: “We wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out the game, and then say to them, ‘come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.'”South Africa won the match on day five to hand India their heaviest home defeat and complete a first series win in India in 25 years. But Conrad’s use of the word “grovel,” which was heavily loaded because it was used by Tony Greig when referring to the West Indies team in 1976, spoilt some of South Africa’s victory. Conrad was criticised by former Indian and South African players, including Sunil Gavaskar and visiting commentator Dale Steyn.Conrad made no public comment since then but Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma twice fielded questions about the use of the word. On both occasions, Bavuma said it was an issue for Conrad to address. Meanwhile, Conrad was in communication with a “network of people that I trust, family back home, and people on our staff,” and concluded he had done some damage, which he needed to repair.”It’s really a pity. Maybe what it did do was spice up the ODI series, and especially with India winning that now, the T20 series becomes even more so,” Conrad said. “The unfortunate thing is, with all the noise that that word caused, I still think it’s a perfectly good English word, but I just left it open to too many interpretations. What it did was take away the gloss of what was a really special win for our Test team. It’s unfortunate, but there was definitely no malice intended.”In his nearly three years as Test coach and almost six months as all-format coach, Conrad has emerged as a popular, witty figure who does not mince his words. Notably, he asked his team to “show-off more” a few months ago as they put out strong performances on the world stage, but has based his philosophy on the opposite of that and expects humility from everyone including himself.”Being humble is a cornerstone of our Test team and all our teams for that matter,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that the noise and the talk became around the coach. People shouldn’t really even know who the coach is. It should be about the players. That’s the unfortunate bit, and I’d like to think that it’s going to be put to bed now.”ESPNcricinfo understands Cricket South Africa was not amused by Conrad’s use of the word “grovel,” not least because they maintain a strong relationship with Indian cricket, but left it up to him to decide if or when he wanted to address the issue. CSA has made no comment or statement about the coach’s choice of language.

Ruben Amorim has revealed that a blunt and emotionally charged half-time team talk was the catalyst for Manchester United’s much-needed 4-1 victory at Molineux on Monday night, after his side briefly flirted with embarrassment against struggling Wolves. The two teams went in level at the break, but the Red Devils fired in three goals in the second half to walk away with all three points.

First half scare at Molineux

United had started brightly and appeared fully in control when Bruno Fernandes swept his team into an early lead. But a lapse in concentration allowed Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to find the equaliser, which ended Wolves’ nine-hour Premier League goal drought. What had been a calm evening suddenly felt volatile, and Amorim insisted the solution was not tactical reinvention, but rather psychological.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim reveals what was said during half-time

Speaking after the match, Amorim said that he demanded more clarity and conviction from his players during the interval.

"It wasn't tactical," he said. "It was so clear we are dominating the games but not finishing the plays as we should. We need to be better in the details. Trying to explain to the players we have 45 minutes to win the three points that are crucial for our life."

Amorim criticised the sloppiness that followed Fernandes’ opener, saying it handed Wolves, who are rock bottom of the Premier League with only two points, a belief they didn’t previously have.

"Once again, after we scored a goal, we were a little bit sloppy on the ball and that gave a little bit of hope to the opponent," he said. "We should have finished that half in the different way, and then in the half time they understood that we have everything to win the game, to win three points – and they did that."

Despite bouncing back to secure a comfortable win that edges United close to the Champions League spots, Amorim refused to entertain discussions about the significance of sixth place.

He added: "Nothing. It's always the same feeling we should have more points. But that's in the past, let's focus on the future. Bournemouth (on Monday) is going to be a different world. So we need to to know that, but in our club, it doesn't matter. We need to to improve the way we play."

The manager also confirmed that United remain in negotiations with Cameroon, the Ivory Coast and Morocco in the hope of delaying the departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui for the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Let's wait for the middle of the of the week," he added. "I don't know for sure, but we are doing our job and the national teams are talking with us and that is a good sign."

Mount ready for a new beginning at United

Beyond the victory, one of the night’s most encouraging subplots came from Mason Mount. The midfielder, whose United career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury, scored a crisp volley from a Fernandes cross, his second goal in three matches, in another sign that he is finally rediscovering rhythm. Mount had made only five league starts in each of his previous two United seasons and missed 52 matches across that period. This campaign, however, he has featured in 12 of 15 league fixtures and looks increasingly comfortable in Amorim’s system.

"Anytime I play I obviously want to play to the best of my ability and perform," Mount told Sky Sports after the win over Wolves. "I've had setbacks. I've had difficult times, I feel now I'm ready to keep pushing on and building on these performances. Getting in the goals, that's the most important thing as a forward player and just keep going and working hard. That's exactly what I'm focusing on now."

On his volley, Mount added: "As soon as I see Bruno [Fernandes] with the ball and has time and space to turn, that's my trigger to try and get in behind and try and time my run. I thought it was going to be a bit close [to offside] but the defender dropped back and bit and kept me onside. Delighted with that. And as I said before, it was about being ruthless in the second half and finishing our chances off. We all know the calibre of player he [Fernandes] is. When he gets on the ball he's always trying to create something. He's a joy to play with as a player that's higher up the pitch because you know he's having a look and he's going to play the ball over the top."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

The win lifted United to within a point of fourth-placed Crystal Palace, strengthening their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Amorim knows consistency is now essential. United host Bournemouth next Monday, and the Portuguese coach is determined that the performance at Molineux becomes a platform rather than another fleeting glimpse of promise.

In February, it was reported that MLB and ESPN agreed to end their national television contract after the 2025 season, with ESPN opting out of the rest of its deal with the league. As of Monday, there have reportedly been further discussions between both sides about continuing the broadcasting rights in a new deal, 's Andrew Marchand reported.

If an agreement is not reached by October, then MLB and ESPN partnership will officially end. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred hopes an agreement on ESPN's current package is determined by the All-Star break in a few weeks, whether it remains with the network or goes to other bidders. ESPN opted out of their current contract three years early after the two sides have been in business together for 35 years. MLB followed suit and also opted out of the deal itself.

If ESPN does not reach a new agreement with MLB, the current frontrunners to take over the broadcasting rights are NBC, Apple and Fox.

ESPN's current deal is worth $550 million, which Manfred said he was O.K. with, though, ESPN felt that they were paying too much. With the package, ESPN broadcasts the weekly game along with the Home Run Derby and eight to 12 playoff games annually.

MLB has broadcasting deals with Apple ($85 million per year for Friday night doubleheader games) and with Roku ($10 million per season for Sunday morning games). The main issue for MLB right now is figuring out how to improve their local rights situations for viewers. ESPN’s chairman Jimmy Pitaro previously said that ESPN's new direct to consumer app, which will launch later this year, could be the league's solution for this problem.

We'll see what happens over the next few weeks.

Harry Brook and Corbin Bosch have been the first casualties in this game of cricket chicken, and no one is safe

Alan Gardner16-Apr-2025It’s Trade Wars Szn, apparently, and while cricket won’t register high on the import/export ledger in either China or the US, that doesn’t mean the game is short on geopolitical posturing. Witness the PSL opting to go toe-to-toe with the IPL during the global T20 circuit’s premium window.What does it all mean, apart from a brightly coloured smorgasboard of short-form frippery swamping the airwaves just when the County Championship is looking to remind everyone it still exists? Inevitably there are clashes and conflicts, although the legal shemozzle threatened by the ECB, attempting to limit the global supply of James Vince, was resolved amicably enough in the end.Others have not been so fortunate. The T20 ecosystem is now so complex that we’re seeing the introduction of what economists call non-tariff barriers (Pakistan players might suggest these have existed, at least where the IPL is concerned, for some time). Hence Corbin Bosch, having broken an agreement with Peshawar Zalmi in order to run the drinks for Mumbai Indians, can now expect to be impounded on the spot should he step into Pakistan at any point over the next 12 months.Related

'It's not harsh' – Moeen on Brook's potential two-year IPL ban

Corbin Bosch banned from PSL for one year for withdrawing from 2025 season

Khushdil Shah involved in crowd trouble during NZ-Pakistan ODI at Mount Maunganui

James Anderson to sit out April but refuses to bow out yet

This, of course, mirrors the sanction imposed by the IPL on those players who bail out of lucrative contracts at short notice. (Who are these ingrates? Do they think they have free will?) Although you suspect that if, say, new England white-ball captain Harry Brook were to triumphantly lift the T20 World Cup at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium early next year, his two-year ban would be rescinded as quickly as the first team owner could say “Hey, maybe this guy can play spin after all…”Because if the Light Roller has learned anything about trade wars, it’s that they boil down to strategy, brinkmanship and holding your nerve. That and rewriting the regulations whenever is convenient, which the BCCI surely has in its locker.

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Could the man to unite the warring parties be TikTok teddy bear David Warner? Australia’s former attack dog is now off the leash, negotiating the gig economy as a T20 freelancer. And while he found himself surplus to requirements in the IPL mega auction, he landed safely in the arms of the PSL, picked in the platinum category and given the Karachi Kings captaincy to boot. He has already showcased his diplomatic skills by playing down the idea that he has received any stick from Indian fans after crossing the aisle – though this might be business savvy as much as his innate feel for subcontinental relations. With his 2min 50sec cameo in Tollywood flick he stands to be one of the few cricketers to be putting bums on seats in both India and Pakistan over the next few weeks.Scowl’s honour: Jimmy Anderson would be playing till the cows come home if it wasn’t for the damned calf•Getty Images

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James Anderson may have been rejected by the IPL, but that has not dimmed his enthusiasm for a 24th English domestic season with Lancashire. By which we mean he turned up to the team’s media day in Manchester looking moodier than Tom Moody in a muu-muu morosely mooching around Morrisons in search of a mango mousse on a mizzly Monday morning, before declaring himself fitter than he’s ever been (but also injured and unavailable to play for the first month). England, of course, decided to pension Anderson off last season, and he’s all set to be given a knighthood – but nothing could keep him from the county grind. Except a dodgy calf.

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Speaking of heritage cricketers, it has come to the Light Roller’s attention that MS Dhoni is still playing at the highest level – almost five years since we last made a joke about the ongoing circus around his retirement. You can understand why CSK are clinging on. Dhoni has won games for them purely on his aura, or at least a well-judged wink at the right opposition bowler. Which is fine, but being able to run might also help. “His knees aren’t what they used to be,” admitted Stephen Fleming, in tones that are usually reserved for discussing grandpa’s trips to the supermarket. One day, no doubt, there’ll be a statue of Dhoni up at Chepauk, but for now it sounds like the Whistle Podu crew are having to make do with a still life.

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Fan engagement, that’s what every sporting organisation wants to drive these days. Although perhaps not of the kind that Khushdil Shah attempted during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. Khushdil had to be held back by security after two spectators, allegedly Afghans, started shouting “anti-Pakistan slogans” – something you’d think the Pakistan players might have to start preparing for back home after being beaten by a combined 7-1 scoreline across white-ball formats. Still, it could have been worse. At least no one called Khushdil a potato.

The two starting pitchers for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game have officially been announced, and the choices aren't really surprising to anyone.

Reigning NL Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young award favorite Paul Skenes will start for the National League. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace leads MLB with a 2.01 ERA with four wins and eight losses. He's pitched 121 innings so far this season, and posted 131 strikeouts, with 82 hits, 27 earned runs and six home runs hit on him.

It's Skenes's second year in a row starting the All-Star Game, and since it's only his second year in MLB, it means he's started in every All-Star Game he's appeared in. That's quite an impressive feat.

On the American League side, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will make his second-straight All-Star appearance. It will be his first All-Star start, though. Like Skenes, Skubal is the favorite to win the AL Cy Young award.

Skubal's posted a 2.23 ERA with 10 wins and three losses. He's pitched 121 innings and thrown 153 strikeouts, the second most in MLB this season. He's given up 84 hits, 30 earned runs and nine home runs.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game beings at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.