Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 380

Shanahan sheds light on 49ers top pick Pearsall’s shoulder injury

Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick, did not play in the preseason because of an aggravated shoulder injury tracing back to his college days, coach Kyle Shanahan explained after Friday’s preseason finale in Las Vegas.

Pearsall last took part in a full-team practice Aug. 6 when his shoulder issue flared up, but there is not significant enough structural damage to call into question his rookie season, the coach told reporters.

“We’ll see how he is. Hoping he gets into practice this week and if he does that’s a pretty good sign of his availability,” Shanahan said in terms of the regular season opener Monday night, Sept. 9 against the New York Jets.

Pearsall revealed that Pearsall subluxed — or partially dislocated — a shoulder that first was hurt in college, prior to the 49ers drafting him 31st overall on April 25. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mike Silver told KNBR-680 AM earlier this week that Pearsall “has a shoulder thing that is now recurring and I think worrying over the long haul, something they knew about before they drafted him and were hoping wouldn’t be a thing.”

Pearsall has conditioned on the side in recent weeks, and he showed no impingement while casually throwing a football and playing catch this week. He played three seasons at Arizona State before improving his draft stock the past two seasons at Florida.

“He did it in college, I think his junior year. About 50 percent of the people coming out of college do that,” Shanahan said of the shoulder issue.

“That really wasn’t the problem. He did it in OTAs for the first time with us,” Shanahan said, alluding to spring practices in May and June. “When you do that, it’s tender. And then he re-did it here a couple of weeks ago. That makes it tender so you want to give him time to come back from it.”

Shanahan shrugged it off as a “normal” injury that’s happened to “80 percent” of NFL players.

Pearsall excelled in spring workouts but a hamstring injury away from the team this summer forced him to open training camp on the Non-Football Injury List. He practiced a week before aggravating his shoulder injury.

The 49ers also played throughout the preseason without Brandon Aiyuk, their leading receiver the past two seasons. Aiyuk, who attended Friday’s preseason game in Las Vegas along with Pearsall, is believed to be nearing a contract extension with the 49ers after requesting a trade last month and subsequently rebuffing interest from other teams.

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Both Aiyuk and Pearsall figure to make the 49ers’ initial 53-man roster that is due Tuesday, along with fellow wide receivers Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, rookie Jacob Cowing and perhaps a veteran such as Chris Conley, Trent Taylor, Robbie Chosen or Ronnie Bell.

49ers Studs and Duds: Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason impress in preseason finale

Let me make this clear off the jump:

The 49ers had no excuse not to look good on Friday night in Las Vegas.

Not only are the Niners a significantly better team than the Raiders, but San Francisco put a bunch of first-string players on the field in the team’s preseason finale.

And the Raiders did not.

So Brock Purdy and the Niners’ offense should have looked good.

The 49ers’ defense — even without some of its cream-of-the-crop stars — should have commanded the first half game.

And they did.

So that’s good.

Will the same truth apply to the Niners’ season opener on Sept. 9 against the Jets?

We’ll find out soon enough.

STUDS

Brock Purdy

The Russell Wilson-like devil magic was on full display on Friday, with Purdy roaming around the backfield, pulling plays out of thin air.

His third-down throw to George Kittle — over a linebacker and in front of a collapsing safety, with Kittle having to go way up to get it — was a thing of beauty.

His frozen-rope throw to Chris Conley while rolling out to the right should be highlight-reel stuff — if only folks around the NFL viewed Purdy as a highlight-reel kind of player.

He picked up big gains with his feet, arm, and had the 49ers’ offense purring, even without Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams.

His one blemish in the game — an interception — can be pinned on Deebo Samuel, who let the ball bounce off his hands. The Raiders picked up the deflection.

Again, Purdy wasn’t facing the best of the best the Raiders had to offer (so what does that make the team we saw Friday?) but after an uninspiring preseason, both practices and games, the Niners’ quarterback showed that he’s ready for the show on Monday Night Football.

 

Jordan Mason

He’s the team’s No. 2 running back. There’s no use in debating it anymore — Mason has been outstanding this preseason and was strong again on Friday, rushing eight times for 42 yards.

The only question is what Mason’s emergence means for Elijah Mitchell. I imagine the Niners will have a tough decision to make on the oft-injured running back over the next few days, leading into cut day.

The returning rookies

Running back Isaac Guerendo was made to run the outside zone play. That just so happens to be a skillset that lends itself perfectly to the NFL’s new kickoff rules. Sure enough, in his first game in a 49ers uniform, the Lousiville product returned a kick 93 yards, setting up an easy second touchdown for the Niners.

Fellow rookie Jacob Cowing impressed as a punt returner on Friday, too. The Niners are set at these spots for this season and seasons to come.

 

Nick Zakelj

Had a really nice game as both a run blocker at guard and center. The Niners’ faith looked rewarded.

 

Jake Tonges

Another strong game. He’s been so consistent this camp, that it’s hard to argue he’s not the No. 3 tight end on this team. If nothing else, he has to force the Niners to consider keeping four tight ends.

 

Rock Ya-Sin

He has to make the roster after another strong game. He was a hell of a find for the Niners.

 

Sam Okuayinonu

There’s something there. We’ve seen it in practice, and it showed up in the game Friday. I think the Niners would be foolish not to further explore.

 

Sebastian Gutiérrez

The play of the day wasn’t a Purdy throw or Mason run, it was the multi-lateral game ending that saw the depth offensive lineman pick up the ball not just once, but twice and nearly — improbably! — run it 20 yards into the end zone.

The play wouldn’t have counted, but the memories will last forever.

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Sam Womack

It doesn’t matter if you make a couple of nice plays, if you also allow two touchdowns with mistakes.

I don’t know what Womack was doing on the Raiders’ third touchdown of the game. He was beaten off the line of scrimmage, and then interfered after recovering. Not that it mattered — former Hamilton Ti-Cat Tyreik McAllister caught the pass, turned, and ran into the end-zone.

Womack is fighting for the final cornerback spot on this team. That was a play that should get him cut.

But for that to happen after he overran McAllister on punt coverage, allowing the speedy back to return the punt for a touchdown is inexcusable.

There are a lot better players than McAllister. Womack probably won’t get a chance to face them this season.

 

Brayden Willis

Missed blocks, blown assignments, penalties — Willis was conspiring against himself on Friday.

And after weeks of looking like the man for the No. 3 tight-end job, it’s fair to wonder if he still has a hold of the gig.

Jake Tonges was excellent, again on Friday. His blocking, in particular, was stellar.

If the Niners are truly building a team of the best players, No. 9 will be cut next Tuesday and No. 88 — who has been outstanding all camp — will be in.

 

Ronnie Bell and Cam Latu

That should do it, folks.

 

 

49ers 24, Raiders 24: Injuries strike defensive ends in preseason finale

The 49ers gambled in Las Vegas by playing top assets in their preseason finale. That strategy quickly backfired with injuries at a marquee position offering scarce depth.

Defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos, two of their prized additions in free agency, hobbled off with first-quarter knee sprains in Friday night’s 24-24 tie with the Raiders.

Neither was an anterior cruciate ligament tear and MRI exams Saturday should determine if their availability is in question for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener, coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters afterward.

Shanahan said it “wasn’t a good feeling” seeing those injuries, yet he knew the risk in dispatching key players — but not marquee defensive end Nick Bosa — onto the same field where the 49ers lost Super Bowl LVIII six months ago. (Yes, they also failed to hold a 3-point lead in the final minutes of that game; overtime is not held in the preseason.)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Offensively, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle made their preseason debuts as productive targets for Brock Purdy — and that trio appeared to escape injury.  “It felt sort of like last year with our guys being on the field and making plays,” Purdy said on CBS-5’s broadcast during the third quarter.

Another offensive star was surprisingly present but not in uniform: Brandon Aiyuk, who traveled with the team and mingled on the field pregame despite no official word of a breakthrough in his contract talks.

The special teams units made their presence known, too. First came an 81-yard punt return for a Raiders touchdown in the second quarter. The 49ers counterpunched, as rookie speedster Isaac Guerendo delivered a 93-yard, tackle-breaking kick return in his debut to set up a 49ers’ touchdown for a 17-14 halftime lead.

ONE-TWO INJURY PUNCH

Losing two defensive ends in a span of three snaps was the most stunning sequence.

Gross-Matos, starting as Bosa safely sat out another preseason, got his knee wrenched as linebacker DeVondre Campbell made a tackle to open the defense’s second series. Two snaps later, Floyd’s right knee got hurt pass rushing as he tangled legs with Maliek Collins with 2:06 left in the first quarter.

Floyd was the 49ers’ most accomplished addition this offseason. He hasn’t missed a game in six seasons, so the 49ers really are banking on that durability now as a pass-rushing threat opposite Bosa. Gross-Matos quickly established himself as the No. 3 defensive end.

Purdy, in his postgame press conference, said of Floyd. “The word is he’s feeling better. Hopefully he’s good to go. Third preseason game and seeing one of our starters go down, it’s always scary.”

It’s a position where the 49ers already ruled out 2022 top pick Drake Jackson for the season because of a knee injury. Robert Beal Jr., Alex Barrett, Sam Okuayinonu, and Jonathan Garvin are their other defensive ends ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline. Okuayinonu delivered a last-minute sack.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

PURDY’S PERFORMANCE

Those injuries preceded the 49ers’ third offensive series — and the final one featuring Purdy, Kittle and Samuel. Purdy produced scoring drives on the opening two possessions, and he was on the threshold of more points until throwing a red zone interception, on a fastball Samuel failed to grab in tight coverage.

Purdy (9-of-12, 96 yards) opened with a one-pump, 27-yard catch to a backpedaling Samuel down the left sideline. Then came a 15-yard completion to Kittle over the middle, further sparking a drive that culminated with a 47-yard, Jake Moody field goal.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) tackles San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges (88) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

As happened twice in his first-quarter cameo of Sunday’s preseason win over New Orleans, Purdy again got pushed twice to the grass and onto his throwing shoulder. Charles Snowden did it first as Purdy escaped a slot-corner blitz on the first series, and Purdy got tossed again after completing a 15-yard, rollout pass to Chris Conley. More punishment came via a sack as protection broke down among left tackle Jaylon Moore and left guard Nick Zakelj, who started in place of Trent Williams (contract holdout) and Aaron Banks (pinky surgery).

“For us to get hit, that’s part of the game and you’ve got to feel that,” Purdy said on CBS-5.

He also put his body on the line when he scrambled 14 yards to the Raiders’ 17-yard line, evoking memories of a third-down scramble that helped the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game comeback win over Detroit. That second-series run Friday night ended with a Jordan Mason touchdown run, and like his score in the preseason opener at Tennessee, Mason was pushed across the goal line by Dominick Puni, the 49ers’ rookie starter at right guard.

AIYUK SHOWS UP, SITS OUT

AIyuk walked into Allegiant Stadium with Samuel but did not suit up nor participate in warmups. Chris Conley started in Aiyuk’s place opposite Samuel. Aiyuk did not attend the preseason opener two weeks ago in Tennessee, and he was in a suite watching Sunday’s home win over New Orleans.

Also not playing in any of the three preseason games: running backs Christian McCaffrey (calf) and Elijah Mitchell (hamstring), fullback Kyle Juszczyk, defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and cornerback Charvarius Ward, as well as Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams amid those latter two’s contract stalemates.

Williams’ holdout cost him an additional $1.1 million Friday — equivalent to a regular-season game check — and that raised his total to $4.15 million in fines that can’t be reduced or waived, under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement for a contract signed in free agency.

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (49) runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

GUERENDO’S PRO DEBUT

Guerendo played as advertised: a fourth-round draft pick with unmatched speed. That goes beyond his 93-yard kick return in the second quarter. He returned the game’s opening kickoff 29 yards. Back-to-back, 6-yard runs in the red zone set up Mason’s touchdown for a 10-0 lead. He later converted a short-yardage run for a 3-yard gain. It was his 93-yard return set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Patrick Taylor Jr., who broke a backfield tackle after a poor block by Cam Latu.

PEARSALL’S STATUS

Also noticeably absent all preseason was wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick. A hamstring delayed his entry into camp, then after a week of practice, he aggravated a shoulder injury that traced to at least the spring, post-draft practices.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mike Silver told KNBR-680 AM that Pearsall “has a shoulder thing that is now recurring and I think worrying over the long haul, something they knew about before they drafted him and were hoping wouldn’t be a thing.” Pearsall has conditioned on the side in recent weeks, and he showed now impingement while casually throwing a football and playing catch this week.

Shanahan clarified after the game that Pearsall subluxed — partially dislocated — that shoulder.

“He did it in college, I think his junior year. About 50 percent of the people coming out of college do that,” Shanahan said. “That really wasn’t the problem. He did it in OTAs for the first time with us,” Shanahan said, alluding to spring practices in May and June. “When you do that, it’s tender. And then he re-did it here a couple of weeks ago. That makes it tender so you want to give him time to come back from it.”

GAME NOTES

— Pass-game specialist Klay Kubiak called plays for the third time in as many preseason games instead of Kyle Shanahan, who noted last week he will resume play-calling duties come the regular-season opener Sept. 9 when the New York Jets visit Levi’s Stadium.

— Floyd’s first series in a 49ers uniform saw him make a third-down stop on quarterback Nathan Peterman to trigger a three-and-out opening series. Collins and Gross-Matos also donned 49ers’ jerseys for their first time.

— Brandon Allen relieved Purdy and was 5-of-7 for 60 yards with two sacks. Josh Dobbs (5-of-7, 60 yards) entered midway through the third quarter before rookie Tanner Mordecai’s bullpen call with six minutes to go.

— Rookie Malik Mustapha made his debut in the opening lineup in place of George Odum, who’d taken almost all first-team reps in training camp; Talanoa Hufanga is on the Physically Unable To Perform list and could remain there at least the first month of the season unless the 49ers unexpectedly expedite his comeback the next two weeks of practice.

— The game ended with a wildly entertaining play: The Hail Mordecai. Trent Taylor caught a 46-yard bomb at the 9-yard line. Then, well, here is how the gamebook described it: “T.Mordecai pass deep right to T.Taylor to LV 9 for 46 yards. FUMBLES, touched at LV 10, recovered by SF-S.Gutierrez at LV 14. S.Gutierrez to LV 14 for no gain. FUMBLES, recovered by SF-R.Bell at LV 15. R.Bell to LV 22 for -7 yards. Lateral to C.Schrader to LV 23 for -1 yards. FUMBLES, recovered by SF-T.Mordecai at LV 23. T.Mordecai to LV 32 for -9 yards. PENALTY on SF-T.Mordecai, Illegal Forward Pass, 0 yards, enforced at LV 32.” (For what it’s worth, it appeared that Mordecai’s second pass to Cody Schrader actually may have been caught as a lateral (thrown at the Vegas 33, caught at the Vegas 33), and then the ball was flipped to Sebastian Gutierrez, who rumbled toward the end zone before fumbling and Jarrett Kingston recovered near the goal line as the play — and the preseason — was whistled dead.)

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | Shanahan sheds light on 49ers top pick Pearsall’s shoulder injury San Francisco 49ers | 49ers Studs and Duds: Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason impress in preseason finale San Francisco 49ers | Brandon Aiyuk surfaces with 49ers for their preseason finale in Vegas San Francisco 49ers | 49ers at Raiders: Four things to watch in preseason finale in Vegas San Francisco 49ers | John Lynch on KNBR: 49ers ‘feel the urgency’ to bring Aiyuk, Williams back

SF Giants suffer brutal loss to Mariners in extras after blowing four-run lead

The Giants entered Friday night’s game against the Mariners with one of the more unique advantages they’ll have for the rest of the season.

Seattle, yes, has been scuffling of late, having lost seven of its last eight games heading into this series, but that’s not where San Francisco held the upper hand. On Thursday, the Mariners announced that they had fired manager Scott Servais. The decision was likely a shock for most of Seattle’s clubhouse. The Giants, then, possessed the edge in stability.

They didn’t just fail to capitalize. They imploded.

Tyler Rogers allowed four runs and failed to retire a single batter he faced in the eighth inning, surrendering six consecutive singles and blowing a four-run lead in a historically bad night on the mound. That set the stage for Seattle’s Leo Rivas to hit a walk-off single off Erik Miller in the 10th inning and handing San Francisco a 6-5 loss. Not only are the Giants back at .500, but they’ve lost ground in the Wild Card standings, too, with the Diamondbacks (73-56), Padres (73-57) and Braves (69-59) all winning on Friday.

So much for that advantage.

“We had our two best pitchers coming into the game in the eighth and ninth,” said manager Bob Melvin. “Then, it just got away from Tyler a little bit. … He’s never had an outing like that before.”

The Giants entered the bottom of the eighth inning with a 96% chance of winning, according to Baseball Savant. Not only were they winning, 5-1, thanks to a trio of home runs by LaMonte Wade Jr., Michael Conforto and Heliot Ramos, but they had Rogers for the eighth inning with closer Ryan Walker available for the ninth inning. Rogers hadn’t allowed an earned run in the month of August, and the Mariners’ offense, a unit whose only run of the night came by way of a solo home run, was one of baseball’s worst.

Rogers left the mound at T-Mobile Field without recording an out. He faced six batters. He allowed six singles that resulted in four runs and a tie ballgame. The last hit was arguably the most infuriating, a 64.9 mph bloop that dropped into left field. Rogers became the first pitcher in Giants history (since 1901) to allow six hits without recording a single out. The last Giants’ pitcher to allow at least five hits without recording a single out was Jeremy Affeldt, who did so on two occasions.

“I figured Tyler’s going to get at least an out,” Melvin said. “He’s never had an inning like that before for us. I don’t even get anybody up (in the bullpen) until at least three hits there. So, unfortunately, didn’t get an out.”

Walker entered the ballgame with his back immediately against the wall. Tie ballgame. Runner on first. Runner on second. Due up: Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena. The Mariners had all the firepower necessary to push across the go-ahead run. Walker wasn’t having it, dousing waters on the flames by retiring all three batters, getting the Giants to the ninth inning with a tie ballgame.

Seattle’s Andrés Muñoz pitched a clean top half of the ninth, and Walker matched him in the bottom half of the frame by striking out the side. To extras the two teams went. The Giants failed to score in the 10th. The Mariners, needing only one run, wouldn’t miss their opportunity. With one out and a runner on third, Rivas flipped a single to center field, easily scoring Dylan Moore and delivering Dan Wilson his first win as Seattle’s new manager.

“(Walker) did a great job coming in, getting out of it and pitching another inning, but we just couldn’t do anything with the runner on second,” Melvin said.

Doval possible to return on Saturday

Melvin told reporters postgame that “there’s a good chance” that Camilo Doval, who was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 9, will join the team tomorrow in Seattle.

Doval was optioned to Sacramento after a blowing a save opportunity against the Nationals the day prior, his fifth blown save of the season. After being named an All-Star last season, Doval has a 4.70 ERA over 44 innings this season, his 29 walks having already eclipsed last season’s total (26).

Hicks dealing with ailment

Jordan Hicks was originally slated to pitch the bottom of the seventh inning but never saw the mound as he dealt with an ailment while warming up, describing his pectoral muscle getting “super tight” and a “feeling pretty much all the way through my arm.”

“Never really felt that specifically,” Hicks said.

Hicks said he passed all the necessary tests that they ran on him and that he will play catch tomorrow.

Brandon Aiyuk surfaces with 49ers for their preseason finale in Vegas

Wide receiver Brandon AIyuk walked into a football stadium today — with his still-teammates on the 49ers.

Unlike the 49ers’ preseason opener two weeks ago in Tennessee, Aiyuk made this trip to attend the preseason finale against the host Las Vegas Raiders.

Aiyuk will not suit up in what could have been his first time in a 49ers uniform since they lost the Super Bowl on that same Allegiant Stadium field Feb. 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Aiyuk walked into the locker room with fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel upon the 49ers’ arrival roughly two hours before kickoff, as first reported by Tracy Sandler of Fangirl Sports Network.

During pregame, Aiyuk remained in his all-black, non-workout clothes and mingled with Raiders coach Antonio Pierce on the sideline, according to CBS-5 San Francisco’s Vern Glenn.

Aiyuk also chatted with 49ers’ team chaplain Earl Smith, then Aiyuk joined Samuel in saying hello to Raiders receiver Devante Adams, and eventually Aiyuk took selfies with fans who had sideline passes, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan reported.

After requesting a trade a month ago, Aiyuk has not participated in any of training camp’s 19 previous practices, as part of a “hold-in” amid his contract stalemate. He was not seen at practice this week, after being an interested observer down the sideline for three practices the preceding week.

 

Neither general manager John Lynch nor coach Kyle Shanahan had updates regarding Aiyuk’s status during their respective KNBR 680-AM radio segments Wednesday and Thursday.

Although the 49ers granted Aiyuk and his representatives permission to seek a trade, potential deals with the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns were rebuffed, while a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers is reportedly just waiting on AIyuk’s approval if talks end with the 49ers. He remains under contract with the 49ers at a $14.1 million salary, or half of what he’s likely seeking in a new deal.

As for the 49ers’ other contractual matter, left tackle Trent Williams still has not reported a month into camp. His holdout cost him an additional $1.1 million Friday — equivalent to a regular-season game check — and that raised his total to $4.15 million in fines that can’t be reduced or waived, under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement for a contract signed in free agency.

Also noticeably absent for all preseason games is wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick. A hamstring delayed his entry into camp, then after a week of practice, he aggravated a shoulder injury that traced to at least the spring, post-draft practices.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mike Silver told KNBR-680 AM that Pearsall “has a shoulder thing that is now recurring and I think worrying over the long haul, something they knew about before they drafted him and were hoping wouldn’t be a thing.” Pearsall has conditioned on the side in recent weeks, and he showed now impingement while casually throwing a football and playing catch this week.

 

SF Giants sign Andrew Knapp to major-league deal, utility man Cavan Biggio to minor-league deal

The Giants announced on Friday afternoon that they have signed catcher Andrew Knapp, who played three games with the team in 2022, to a one-year, major-league contract. Additionally, San Francisco has signed utility man Cavan Biggio to a minor-league deal, according to multiple reports.

Catcher Jakson Reetz was designated for assignment in a corresponding move, leaving Knapp and Curt Casali as the Giants’ catching tandem at the moment. Knapp is slated to bat ninth and serve as rookie Hayden Birdsong’s catcher as they begin a three-game set with the Mariners in Seattle.

Earlier this week, the Giants placed a struggling Patrick Bailey on the injured list with a right oblique strain. Prior to landing on the injured list, Bailey had a slash line of .115/.157/.135 over 27 games in the second half. Bailey will begin baseball activities this weekend in Seattle.

Knapp, 32, has not appeared in the majors since his brief time in San Francisco in 2022. Prior to re-joining the Giants, Knapp spent time with the Triple-A affiliates of the Astros (2023), Tigers (2023) and Rangers (2024).

Drafted in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Cal, Knapp has spent parts of six seasons in the majors and owns a career .623 OPS over 325 games. Behind the plate, Knapp has been worth -31 defensive runs saved.

Biggio, 29, was released by the Dodgers earlier this month. In 74 games with the Dodgers and Blue Jays this season, Biggio hit .197/.316/.306 with five home runs, 19 RBIs and two steals. Biggo’s most productive major-league season was as a rookie in 2019 when he hit 16 home runs, swiped 14 bases and had a .793 OPS for Toronto, but he hasn’t matched that production in any subsequent season.

Over 520 career games, Biggio owns a career slash line of .225/.341/.379 with 51 home runs and 32 steals. Biggio is primarily an infielder, having played 253 games at second base, 94 games at third base, 85 games at first base and one lone game at shortstop. He’s also played 93 games across all three outfield positions, most of his time being in right field (85 games).

Injury updates

Tristan Beck (vascular injury) is scheduled to pitch tonight for Triple-A Sacramento. He has made three rehab appearances for the River Cats, allowing five earned runs over nine innings with 11 strikeouts.Tyler Matzek (left elbow strain) threw yesterday and is scheduled to throw again on Sunday as he continues his rehab assignment with Sacramento.Tom Murphy (left knee sprain) is rehabbing in San Francisco and will begin a running progression today. He will also continue his hitting and throwing progressions.Randy Rodríguez (right elbow inflammation) is also continuing to rehab in San Francisco, but he has yet to begin throwing.

Local law enforcement tallies Classic Car Week accidents, citations

While Classic Car Week invites thousands to the Monterey Peninsula, it’s also known for its strain on local traffic and traveling during the event. Local law enforcement agencies were busy with incidents including fires, accidents and bouts of speeding.

California Highway Patrol Monterey Area Office reported that officers handed out 207 citations, reported 33 crashes and made 21 DUI arrests between Aug. 16 and Aug. 18.

In Monterey, the department made 251 traffic stops, gave 165 citations, towed five vehicles and made 18 arrests between Aug. 14 and Aug. 18.

The Pacific Grove Police Department reported 39 traffic stops that resulted in 12 traffic citations during Classic Car Week. Commander Brian Anderson said that no arrests were made by the department in conjunction with Classic Car Week.

In Seaside, where thousands made their way to the small city for the final weekend of events, Chief Nick Borges said the department was overall prepared, and even enjoyed the events.

Seaside reported four traffic accidents, 43 tickets and 10 arrests, but not all of the incidents were related to Classic Car Week.

“In the weeks leading up to Car Week, we collaborate with the county and other Peninsula agencies to coordinate response efforts and resources,” Borges said. “So we have a good idea of what’s going on. In fact, there’s real time communication happening with all the law enforcement. For example when cars were being let out in Pebble Beach, we were alerted that traffic was headed our way.”

Borges said one of the complaints he did hear, was the crowd sizes. Events like Exotics on Broadway have been expanded in recent years to help allow for more people. Borges said he is open to having that discussion again with city leaders to make more space in future years.

“It goes very well in Seaside, we had support and no real issues,” Borges said. “Nothing over the top or that we couldn’t handle.”

Horoscopes Aug. 23, 2024: Jeremy Lin, learn from experience

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jeremy Lin, 36; Jaime Lee Kirchner, 43; Scott Caan, 48; Shelley Long, 75.

Happy Birthday: Embrace what’s important to you, not what others want you to do. It’s your life, your rules; take the time to figure out what makes you happy and initiate your dreams. Being true to yourself is the first step to being true to others. Learn from experience, and you will gain respect and attract people who recognize your value. Don’t give up or give in; give back. Your numbers are 9, 14, 22, 27, 30, 36, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Having an open mind, observing and being willing to try something new will make a difference in how you proceed and the response you encounter. Don’t rule out what you can accomplish because of someone’s criticism or jealousy. Work alone, perfect your idea and take credit for your ingenuity. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Share your thoughts passionately, and you’ll gain acceptance and valid suggestions. Don’t let stubbornness stop you from moving in a direction that offers benefits. Getting along will be necessary to get your ideas up and running. Health issues require a lifestyle change. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Resolve personal issues and confirm what others plan to do before you set your schedule for the day. Someone will let you down if you don’t specify your needs systematically. Be ready to adjust to last-minute changes or someone’s hidden agenda. Don’t overreact; be prepared to act. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Play fair. Using emotional manipulation will not play out in your favor. Incentives will bridge the gap between what you want and what others are willing to offer. Pay attention to how well your surroundings function, and make changes that accommodate your needs. Romance is favored. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Sit and soak up the energy around you. Observe how well things are running and who is responsible for what. The insight you gain will help you understand what’s necessary to simplify your life and make your daily routine function efficiently. Eliminate stressful situations. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Note what others expect from you and stick to the script. Take on only what you can handle or those responsibilities that belong to you. Putting your time, effort and skills into something that matters to you will bring the most satisfaction and gratitude. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A shift in how you deal with others and your conversations will help point you toward like-minded people and the chance to make a difference. Don’t hold back when you have so much to offer. Be the driving force; it’s your turn, so get moving. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take the initiative and let those you encounter get a glimpse of what you are trying to achieve. The people who stick around will have valuable input that will pique your imagination and inspire you to go the distance. Change looks promising, and partnerships are inviting. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Clock the time it takes to get your responsibilities out of the way and consider how to become more efficient. Taking the initiative to improve is in your best interest and will prepare you for what’s yet to come your way. Forward-thinking, learning and networking are favored. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Listen and act for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Your input will be appreciated and paid for through kindness, generosity and support. Make your mission innovative change and hands-on input to enforce positive transitions. Put time aside to relax with someone you love. Romance is favored. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Revisit your plans and consider the expense before you act. Offer less with the intent of adding extras if your budget, time and skills allow you to expand your interests. Understate your intentions and wow everyone by enhancing your plans as you move forward. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may crave change, but only some people you deal with will embrace your thoughts and plans. Start with those close to you and implement something you know will capture their attention and satisfy their needs. If you please others first, you’ll get what you want. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are open-minded, proactive and entertaining. You are persistent and imaginative.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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Leon Panetta addresses Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO — Former Secretary of Defense and Carmel Valley resident Leon Panetta spoke at the Democratic National Convention Thursday night, focusing on national security in his endorsement of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

Panetta, the co-founder with his wife Sylvia of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy at Cal State Monterey Bay, spoke for a little over five minutes in the lead up to Harris’ acceptance speech.

“To defend our country against tyrants and terrorists,” Panetta said, “we need Kamala Harris behind the Resolute desk.”

Panetta, who also served as the Director of the CIA, noted the military experience of Walz and highlighted what he felt were the strengths of Harris when it comes to understanding the importance of national security.

“She understands, what our military is for. The role of our military is to defend us from foreign enemies,” Panetta said. “It is not to threaten Americans, and it sure as hell isn’t to put immigrants in camps.”

Panetta said Donald Trump doesn’t understand the world or the military. Panetta made a point of saying servicemen were not “suckers and losers” as Trump had reportedly said, “but  heroes.”

Panetta summed up  by saying when Harris is elected, “our allies will cheer and our enemies will fear and we will have a commander in chief that we can trust.”

Despite rumors, no surprise performance from Beyoncé or Taylor Swift at DNC

Rumors of a surprise performance from a top tier pop star swirled in the days leading up to the Democratic National Convention and reached a fever pitch in the hours before Vice President Kamala Harris’ ceremonial nomination. The rumors turned out to be just that.

Some said Taylor Swift. Even more said Beyoncé, including the celebrity website TMZ, which cited “multiple” unnamed sources, on Thursday afternoon in stating unequivocally that she was performing. Other signs appeared to back up the rumors.

Those wandering in the United Center in the afternoon heard a sound check (albeit from another singer) using her song “Cuff It.” Plus, Harris had been cleared to use Beyoncé’s 2016 song, “Freedom,” in campaign videos on social media (who rarely licenses her music).

A friend of Barack and Michelle Obama, the singer’s 2022 album “Renaissance” also featured an allusion to her disdain for former President Donald Trump: “Votin’ out 45, don’t get outta line.” Trump was the nation’s 45th president.

Taken together, hopes were high. Some delegates were spotted earlier in the day wearing rhinestone or mirrored cowboy hats, a popular accessory on the singer’s Renaissance tour. But shortly before Harris took the convention stage, both the Associated Press and the Hollywood Reporter cited DNC planners and Beyoncé’s camp separately saying the performance was never scheduled.

There was no shortage of performances from talented musicians during the convention: Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Jason Isbell and Maren Morris performed. Thursday featured acapella performances from country band The Chicks and Pink.