The Washington Nationals announced Thursday that they will install protective netting at Nationals Park during the All-Star break, becoming the first MLB team this season to install protective netting from far right field to far left field.

The current coverage will be replaced by knotless netting, which is more transparent than traditional netting, and extended to just short of the right and left field corners.

Last month in Houston, a 4-year-old girl was struck and injured by a line drive off the bat of Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr, who was visibly distraught.

"Over the past few weeks, we have seen several fans injured by bats and balls leaving the field of play at other stadiums," Mark D. Lerner, the Nationals' managing principal owner, said in a statement. "I could not help but become emotional last month watching the Astros-Cubs game when a four-year-old little girl was hit by a line drive. I can't imagine what her parents must have felt in that moment. And to see the raw emotion and concern from Albert Almora Jr. was heartbreaking. Further extending the netting at Nationals Park will provide additional protection for our fans."

Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle was one of many players who called for baseball to address the issue after the incident, saying fans' safety should be a top priority.

"I am glad the Washington Nationals have decided to lead the charge on this issue," Doolittle said of the announcement. "Players want fans to be able to safely enjoy the game without fearing for their safety."

Following recommendations from MLB, by the start of the 2018 season all 30 teams had expanded their protective netting to at least the far ends of the dugouts after several fans were injured by foul balls in 2017.

Earlier this month, reacting to the incident in Houston, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he did not expect teams to make changes to the netting around ballparks during the season, but he said he expected conversations to continue about whether netting should be extended.

The Colorado Rockies have placed star shortstop Trevor Story on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right thumb.

The Rockies announced the move before Thursday afternoon's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The team didn't reveal a timetable for his return. Story had an MRI on Thursday and is set to see a hand specialist.

Pat Valaika will start at shortstop Thursday, and the Rockies recalled infielder Brendan Rodgers from Triple-A Albuquerque to replace Story on the 25-man roster.

Story suffered the injury during Wednesday's victory over Arizona. He is batting .294 and leads all National League shortstops with 17 home runs (tied with Javier Baez) and 48 RBIs.

The Tampa Bay Rays have received permission from Major League Baseball's executive council to explore a plan in which they would play early-season home games in the Tampa Bay area and the remainder of the year in Montreal, commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday.

While the plan is in its nascent stages, the Rays have embraced the two-city solution as the most feasible to saving baseball in the Tampa Bay area after years of failed attempts to build a new stadium in the region, sources said.

Under the plan, the Rays would play in new stadiums in both the Tampa Bay area and Montreal, sources said. The number of home games each city would receive has not been determined, sources said.

Manfred referred to the idea of a two-city Rays team as a long-term project.

The ability to play games early in the season in Florida would preclude the need for a domed stadium, cutting the cost of a new building.

The return of baseball to Montreal, which lost the Expos when they moved to Washington and became the Nationals before the 2005 season, has long been speculated and has significant support among power brokers in the city, including Stephen Bronfman, the private-equity magnate whose father, Charles, was the Expos' original owner.

A month ago, Bronfman -- who along with Montreal businessman Mitch Garber has expressed interest in taking a minority stake in the Rays, alongside owner Stuart Sternberg -- reached an agreement with a developer on a site in Montreal's Pointe-Saint-Charles neighborhood to potentially build a new stadium.

"My priority remains the same, I am committed to keeping baseball in Tampa Bay for generations to come," Sternberg said via statement. "I believe this concept is worthy of serious exploration."

Significant hurdles remain for the plan to take root, sources said. Though two cities sharing a team isn't entirely novel -- the Expos played 22 home games in Puerto Rico in 2003, and Kansas City, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska, split home games with the NBA's Kings in the 1970s -- the viability of long-term success remains in question.

MLB's executive council, which includes Sternberg, nevertheless gave the Rays permission to explore the possibility during owners meetings Wednesday and Thursday.

For more than a decade, the Rays have sought to build a new stadium in Tampa or St. Petersburg, Florida, where they currently play at Tropicana Field. Their lease runs through 2027, and a Tampa Bay-Montreal dual-city plan would necessitate finding a stadium site in Florida as well. The timetable for any potential move likely depends on whether the Rays can strike a deal in the Tampa Bay area for a new stadium, sources said.

The Rays' average attendance of 14,546 is the second lowest in the majors despite a 43-31 record. Their Opening Day payroll of around $65 million was among the lowest in baseball. Among the difficulty in securing a new stadium, a paucity of local revenue and a poor local-television deal, the Rays have been seen by other cities as a target for relocation -- a possibility should the Tampa Bay-Montreal plan fail.

A deal with Montreal would keep the Rays in Florida while potentially adding significant revenues to the franchise. Montreal offers a robust corporate base for sponsorships and a fervent fan base that could support what would amount to a half-season ticket plan. Other teams could object to the Rays occupying two geographical territories, though the support of the executive council to explore the possibility, sources said, constituted a significant step forward.

It is too early in the process, sources said, to answer such questions as what the name of the team would be or where playoff games would be held.

Managing director and 1984 Olympic silver medallist Wendy Sly on her long relationship with AW and why it has to keep changing with the times

I’ve known AW for the best part of the past 50 years. I read it, I’ve been in it, I’ve worked for a competitor against it and now I manage it. I’ve probably never been closer to the magazine than I am now, as we enter another chapter of its long history.

When my name first started appearing in AW, back when I was around 11 or 12, I felt that being in the magazine was some kind of endorsement, that I was part of the sport and a serious athlete. I knew from the outset that it was important.

I made the cover of AW and I was over the moon. What I love is that athletes who make it on to the cover still have that same feeling which I had – the pride of being on the front of the magazine that represents the sport in the UK and increasingly around the world. It means something.

It still has a massive role to play in the sport. I think that role has changed and, like everything, it has had to move and evolve with the times.

People still buy and read magazines but we live in an increasingly digital world and the number of other sources from which people access their information continues to grow. There are just so many more forms of communication.

We are known around the world as AW and it made sense to use that affectionate nickname and make it more official on the magazine’s cover. We are also trying to internationalise our brand more, taking what we do to a bigger market, and changing our name in this way – from Athletics Weekly to AW – is undoubtedly more modern as we look to the future of the magazine.

The goal for me is taking what we do so brilliantly out to a wider audience.

Changing the name gives us a bit more flexibility in the current climate and allows us to take our brand across every communication platform.

The magazine will celebrate its 75th birthday next year and throughout its life has evolved in a way that has been reflective of the times.

Part of the reasoning behind our change to becoming AW is to reflect the time we’re in.

I hope you can come with us on the journey.

LAS VEGAS -- Nine months after Robin Lehner publicly revealed his battle with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, the New York Islanders goalie won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."

"I took that first step and it's been life changing for me," Lehner said in his acceptance speech at the NHL Awards show at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday. "Got to keep pushing, end the stigma. I'm not ashamed to say I'm mentally ill, but that doesn't mean I'm mentally weak."

Later, Lehner told reporters it was "pretty tough" to address the crowd and he was "fighting back tears."

"Now I'm diagnosed and medicated and I've learned a tremendous amount with how to deal with my issues," Lehner said. "I still have a lot to learn, but it's incredibly manageable and that's why a lot of people need to take that first step."

In September, the 27-year-old Lehner penned a first-person essay for the The Athletic that detailed an in-game panic attack he had while with the Buffalo Sabres last season. The Sabres sent Lehner home after his panic attack during an intermission of a March 29, 2018 game against the Detroit Red Wings. On the way home that night, Lehner said he stopped to buy beer and after a night of drinking, he told his wife, "I have to go away."

Lehner would never play another game for the Sabres. However, the episode led Lehner to seek treatment. He went to rehab where he says he was treated for addictions to alcohol and drugs and diagnosed as bipolar and ADHD with PTSD and trauma as well as having manic phases.

Lehner signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Islanders in free agency after he was candid with the front office about what he was dealing with. Lehner and the Islanders then smashed their modest expectations this season. Lehner finished the season 25-13-5, with a 2.13 GAA, .930 save percentage and six shutouts as the Islanders, surprisingly, had the league's best defense and qualified for the playoffs -- then swept the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Award on Wednesday for Coach of the Year.

Lehner was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy and was recognized with teammate Thomas Greiss for the William M. Jennings Trophy for being the tandem that allowed the fewest goals in the NHL this season.

Lehner credits his support system -- which includes Islanders teammates, coaches and management, as well as his doctors -- with helping him stay on track.

Entrance into the NHL/NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program is kept confidential, though Lehner said there were benefits for him disclosing his participation. For example, Lehner said he recently had dinner with some of the doctors who treated him and they said other players have come forward, thanks to him.

"Obviously they don't tell me names or anything, but they've said a lot of people have reached out to them to start getting help," Lehner said. "Me being outspoken, and if that's just one person, then it's worth it."

Lehner admitted there were risks to being so frank about his condition -- especially financially, as it could affect negotiations or contracts going forward. It's why he believes many players have typically been hesitant to admit they need help.

"We as players in this league, GMs, whoever it might be, there needs to be some change to open it up," Lehner said. "Why it's been so successful for me this year, is because I was open with it. I think the program for the first time was able to work together with the team, it was a good collaboration. ... For a majority of people, they're not going to be open about it to the team. So the team part is going to be not involved because as soon as that comes to light, it's going to affect your financial future, it's going to affect negotiations, contract, or whatever it might be. It's going to turn into a risk."

Lehner, however, said the past year has been a highlight of his career.

"I've had such an incredible outpour of support," Lehner said. "There's been so many people who have contacted me, tried to contact me, who I haven't been able to get to yet. They're scared of taking that first step, scared of doing the things that are necessary to turn their lives around. ... Reaching them, that's incredibly rewarding."

Mexico substitute Andres Guardado netted twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory for El Tri against Canada in the second round of games in Group A of the Gold Cup.

Roberto Alvarado had opened the scoring at Broncos Stadium in Denver five minutes before half-time, with Lucas Cavallini netting for Canada in the 75th minute, two minutes before Guardado made it 3-1.

Canada put up stern resistance for much of the game in a far tougher test for El Tri than last Saturday's 7-0 win over Cuba in Los Angeles.

The result means Mexico is qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament, unless there is a bizarre set of result in the final match day in Charlotte on Sunday, when Canada plays Cuba and Mexico faces Martinique.

Alvarado's goal came when it looked like Mexico was getting frustrated, as highlighted by a heated argument between Mexico's Gerardo "Tata" Martino and Canada coach John Herdman on the sidelines.

"He made a joke and I just answered, I'm not sure what it was because it was in English," Martino quipped after the match.

Herdman also downplayed the back-and-forth as a simple misunderstanding.

"He is a great coach," Herdman said of Martino. "I don't speak Spanish. I think he was asking how my new role was going. Said, 'Yeah, it's going well.' I asked him if he's enjoying his role."

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The victory, in front of 52,874 fans, gives Martino six wins from his six games in charge of Mexico so far.

Mexico had 72 percent possession in the first half, but was largely restricted by Canada to a couple of chances, with Jonathan dos Santos going closest with a volley in the 29th.

The first half was slightly marred for Mexico with an injury to Erick Gutierrez, who was replaced by Guardado in the 36th.

Guardado's influence quickly showed itself and the Mexico captain added El Tri's second from 25 yards in the 54th with a memorable goal, although one minute earlier Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies pounced on a loose ball and got past Diego Reyes inside the area, but could only shoot wide.

Canada continued to put up a fight and got back into the game when Cavallini tapped in, after a mistake from Nestor Araujo allowed Jonathan David to charge through on goal and pass square to the Puebla striker.

But Mexico responded immediately through Guardado, with LA Galaxy right-winger Uriel Antuna setting him up after a mazy run down the flank.

Mexico travels to Charlotte on Thursday ahead of Sunday's game against Martinique.

Earlier Wednesday, Martinique defeated Cuba 3-0 to remain in contention for a place in the quarterfinal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been given just £100 million to strengthen his Manchester United squad this summer, with further spending likely to be dependent on money raised by player sales, sources have told ESPN FC.

Despite United suffering one of their worst seasons since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, further investment in the squad hinges on the futures of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and David De Gea, who have all been linked with moves away from Old Trafford this summer.

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If United are able to retain all three players -- Pogba and De Gea, in particular -- there is a view within the club that the recruitment of emerging talent ahead of next season can make Solskjaer's team competitive for a top four finish.

But having seen Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia leave as free agents at the end of last season, five months after the £10.5m sale of Marouane Fellaini to Shandong Luneng, Solskjaer has been told that his initial rebuilding plans must be financed by the £100m transfer fund.

Solskjaer, who was confirmed as full-time manager in March after initially replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho on a caretaker basis last December, has so far added just one signing in Swansea City winger Daniel James to his squad since the end of last season, when United finished sixth and without a trophy for the second successive campaign.

United, who have recently given new contracts to Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata, are also pursuing Leicester and England centre-back Harry Maguire, Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff and Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

But with the club's players due to report back for preseason training on July 1, only £15m has been spent so far.

Sources have told ESPN FC that moves for Maguire and Wan-Bissaka have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough due to United offering substantially less than the valuations of Leicester and Palace respectively.

Should Pogba, De Gea or Lukaku be sold, sources have told ESPN FC Solskjaer and his backroom staff would expect to be given the proceeds to reinvest in the squad.

But interest in Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho has already been shelved due to the German club's £80m-plus valuation of the England player, while Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also regarded as being over-priced, with the Italian club seeking at least £90m.