WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson, who has not played since getting hit by a pitch on his left hand Tuesday against Atlanta, took batting practice on Friday for the first time since the injury and is expected to be in the lineup soon.
“He looked good,” manager Mark Kotsay said before the series opener against Toronto. “There was some thought to make his way into the lineup today, but I don't know Jacob in talking to him last night was real confident about playing. I think he's more confident now that we've gone on the field.”
Kotsay expected Wilson to be able to come off the bench Friday, and the anticipation is he could start over the weekend and then play in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Atlanta.
Wilson and designated hitter Brent Rooker were selected for the game. Rooker will take part in Monday's Home Run Derby.
The manager wasn't as certain when asked Wednesday if Wilson would be able to play in the Midsummer Classic. Wilson has not spoken publicly since the injury, turning down interview requests so he could work on his rehabilitation.
Wilson, who is batting .335 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs, is the first fan-elected rookie All-Star starting shortstop.
He was selected sixth in the 2023 amateur draft. Wilson and teammate Nick Kurtz are the second and third leading candidates for AL Rookie of the Year, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
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The Athletics trainer, left, and Athletics' Jacob Wilson (5) head to the clubhouse during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
The Athletics trainer and manager Mark Kotsay, right, come to check on Athletics' Jacob Wilson (5) after he is hit by the pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. Wilson would go on to leave the game. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The heated rivalry between the Eagles and Commanders boiled over in the fourth quarter Saturday night, when three players were ejected after a fight broke out among several members of both teams in the aftermath of Saquon Barkley's 2-point conversion that increased Philadelphia's lead to 19 points with about 4 1/2 minutes left.
Two players on Washington's defense — lineman Javon Kinlaw and safety Quan Martin — and one Eagles player — offensive lineman Tyler Steen — were disqualified after being flagged for unnecessary roughness during the brawl in the 29-18 victory that allowed Philadelphia to clinch a second NFC East title in a row.
There was some punching, a ton of pushing and shoving, and a lot of jawing, too, as the scrum spread across the grass. Six flags were thrown by officials as the chaos ensued.
“I guess it was a theme. ... The fans were fighting ... and I guess it carried over to the game. It’s chippy out there, and we have a lot of history with this team, especially since I’ve been here,” said Barkley, who gained 132 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown. “This team don’t like us. It’s just the truth. And we don’t like them, either.”
Commanders coach Dan Quinn didn't directly answer the question when he was asked at his postgame news conference whether it was disrespectful for the Eagles to go for 2 after the late TD in a lopsided game.
But Quinn did issue something that sounded akin to a warning, noting that these NFC East rivals meet on Jan. 4 in Philadelphia to close the season.
“If that’s how they want to get down, all good,” Quinn said. “We’ll play them again in two weeks.”
When Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner was asked a question about respect, too, this is what he had to say: “It is what it is, Bro. I don’t care. Is it disrespectful? Maybe. But we’ve still got to stop them. That’s how I look at it.”
Eventually, when order was restored, and Wagner, Barkley and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke with each other on the field.
Barkley said later Wagner made a point that the Eagles running back understood: “Hopefully you don’t break your hand just to say you’re a tough guy. It’s not really worth it. And you lose a lot of money” because of fines.
“We’ve got to be better. We’ve got to be smarter,” Barkley said. “I’ve got to be smarter. I shouldn’t put myself in that situation. It’s really not worth it.”
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin understood why Eagles coach Nick Sirianni decided to go for 2 there. And like his teammate Wagner, McLaurin was not offended.
“Eagles vs. Commanders, man. That’s how it goes. ... There’s a lot of history, obviously. They were beating us. They’re not going to throw in the towel. They’re not going to take it easy on us. They were going for 2 to bury us. As a team, it’s not like you’re going to tell them, ‘Don’t go for 2.’ We have to stop them,” McLaurin said. “I don’t really take any bad blood from what they did, but you don’t want to see the game get out of hand and guys possibly getting hurt. It comes with this rivalry between us and them. I don’t think that will ever change, to be honest.”
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn talks to the media during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against Washington Commanders cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Washington Commanders recover a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles on the kickoff return during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, center left, runs for a touchdown against Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, center right, during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
