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Shohei Ohtani is trending in the right direction. The two-way superstar faced teammate Will Smith in a thirty-pitch live batting practice session, and by all accounts, he looked sharp. Ohtani himself said he's "getting there," which for a player of his caliber is about as close to a green light as you're going to get.
Shifting to football, the Minnesota Vikings got a rough look at their quarterback situation Saturday. J.J. McCarthy took the start against Baltimore but walked away banged up after a difficult first quarter, finishing with just eighteen snaps in a thirteen to three preseason loss to the Ravens. Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed McCarthy would have played longer if not for the injury, so the timeline on his recovery is worth watching closely heading into the regular season.
And down in Atlanta, the Falcons quarterback battle just got a whole lot more interesting. Michael Penix Junior has been cleared for full practice, which puts him on a direct collision course with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job. With the season opener closing in fast, Atlanta's front office has a genuine decision to make, and the pressure is building by the day.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
