Morning Jolt: Hughes' season may be over
Thursday, September 22
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The great news of clinching a playoff berth was tempered somewhat in New York. The talk is optimistic but Phil Hughes' season could be over. The righthander was scratched from his scheduled start in the opener and sent for an MRI exam. It revealed that what the Yankees suspected was back spasms is actually inflammation from a herniated disk he first suffered in 2004. He was administered an epidural. "My conversations with Phil and Dr. (Chris) Ahmad lead me to believe this is not a big issue ... but is there a chance he doesn't get through it," GM Brian Cashman said. "I guess I have to put that out there." Cashman said the club mind-set is that he will return. (New York Daily News)Comment
Johnson needs some 'mental reps'
Chris Johnson could probably use the extra reps. The Titans running back did not practice Wednesday, however, because of sore ribs. Johnson said he would practice Thursday and expects to play Sunday against the Broncos. "I am just a little sore," he said. "I got a lot of mental reps. I'll be OK. ... I am anxious to get back on the field and play games." After missing training camp and all four preseason games because of a contract holdout, Johnson is averaging just 2.3 yards per carry through two games. Coach Mike Munchak and running-backs coach Jim Skipper met with Johnson this week. "They just wanted to really know how I was feeling and things like that, and I let them know I was good," Johnson said. (The Tennessean)Comment
Iverson not the answer at Philly game
We may have to put this edition of the Allen Iverson comeback on hold, too. After hearing there was a possibility that [Iverson] might be a participant in Sunday's "Battle of I-95" at the Palestra, I had two thoughts: logically he could play for either team given his Newport News upbringing and Georgetown attendance for college (Team Melo candidate) or because of his accolades as a Philadelphia favorite son over his 10-plus seasons as a Sixer (Team Philly candidate). The second thought is he really going to play? The answer to that thought is no. Gary Moore, Iverson's longtime friend and manager, confirmed that the now 36-year-old Answer will not participate. (CSNPhilly.com)Comment
Must-See Photo
Logan Morrison actually paid for this haircut. (AP)
Must-See Video
If you look closely you'll see Kobe Bryant singing "Love Shack" with a bunch of UC Irvine students.
Game To Watch
Angels at Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. ET
SI Vault: More Willie Mays
This Day in Sports
- 1911 -- Cy Young, 44, beats the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for his 511th and final major league victory.
- 1969 -- San Francisco's Willie Mays becomes the second major league player to hit 600 homers with a two-run shot off Mike Corkins.
- 1987 -- The 1,585-member NFL Players Association goes on strike after the New England-New York Jets Monday night game.
