The Philadelphia Phillies reinstated reliever Jose Alvarado from the 15-day injured list Friday.

The 28-year-old left-hander landed on the IL on May 10 with inflammation in his pitching elbow.

Prior to the injury, Alvarado had posted a 0.63 ERA with five saves in 14 appearances. He has struck out 24 batters and walked none in 14⅓ innings.

The Phillies optioned right-hander Connor Brogdon to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room on the roster. Brogdon, 28, is 2-1 with a 4.03 ERA in 27 appearances this season. He has 26 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Oft-injured Boston Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale will be on the shelf for a lengthy spell again, with the team announcing Friday that he's been transferred to the 60-day injured list.

The Red Sox said Sale has a stress reaction in his shoulder blade, and while it won't require surgery, he won't throw for at least 3-4 weeks.

Sale was forced to leave a June 1 start against the Cincinnati Reds with the injury, then was placed on the 15-day IL a day later, a move he called at the time a "gut punch" considering his past injury woes. Additional tests revealed the stress reaction.

Sale, 34, hasn't had an injury-free season since 2017. He's been to the IL in each of the last five seasons, missing all of 2020 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

In other roster moves Friday, Boston reinstated outfielder Adam Duvall from the 60-day IL. He's been out since early April with a broken wrist.

The team also brought up left-hander Joe Jacques from Triple-A, optioned infielder Enmanuel Valdez to Worcester and designated lefty Matt Dermody for assignment.

The New York Mets say slugger Pete Alonso has a bone bruise and sprain of his left wrist and is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.

He's been placed on the 15-day injured list, in a move that is retroactive to Thursday.

Alonso was hit on his left wrist by a pitch and left Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves. He returned to New York for further testing after initial X-rays revealed no fracture.

Alonso leads the NL with 49 RBIs and is hitting .231.

In other Mets moves Friday, catcher Tomás Nido has been outrighted to Triple A, infielder Luis Guillorme and lefty Zach Muckenhirnhas have been recalled from Triple A and right-hander Stephen Nogosek has been designated for assignment.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz says the stress of playing 22-time major champion Novak Djokovic led to the full body cramps which ruined his chances of winning their French Open semi-final.

"It is not easy to play against Novak, he's a legend of our sport," he said.

"It has been really tough for me. I have never felt tension like I did in that match."

Top seed Alcaraz was only playing Djokovic for the second time and it was their first meeting at one of the sport's four Grand Slam tournaments.

"If someone says he goes onto the court with no nerves playing against Novak, he lies," added the US Open champion.

"The tension of the match was why the cramping happened. I started the match really nervous."

Djokovic, who said he had faced the same experiences when he was younger, added: "It is part of the learning curve. It's part of the experience.

"He's only 20, he's got plenty of time. He has showed so much maturity in the last couple of years.

"His career will be very successful if he manages to keep healthy because the game is there."

'I would have felt sorry about myself if I'd quit'

Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title in New York last year, but this was only his second major semi-final against an opponent playing in his 45th.

Alcaraz was out-of-sorts in a first set where he looked anxious in his shot-making and his body language, while Djokovic used all of his experience and know-how to move in front.

The Spaniard improved in what was another lengthy set, levelling what was turning into a classic contest even though the cramps had already started.

Djokovic took a medical time-out for an arm problem in the second set, taking an seven-minute break before the third set while Alcaraz remained on court.

Shortly after, the seriousness of the issue for the Spaniard soon became even clearer.

After hitting a return into the net at 40-30 on Djokovic's serve in the second game, Alcaraz immediately pulled up and limped back to his chair to receive treatment.

"I would say the first set and the second set was really, really intense and I started to cramp in my arm," he said.

"At the beginning of the third set I started to cramp every part of my body, not only the legs. The arms, as well, every part of the legs.

"It was really tough for me to move at the third set, and in the fourth set let's say I had a little chance, but it was really tough.

"My full body started to cramp."

Alcaraz twice received treatment on court, also taking a bathroom break at the end of the third set, but insisted quitting the match never crossed his mind.

"I would have felt sorry about myself if I would retire. I'm in a semi-final of a Grand Slam. If I retired from that, it could have been really tough for me," said Alcaraz,

"Thinking about the fourth set, I thought that probably I have 1% chance to come back.

"In the fourth set I had break points in the first game and after that, I just continued playing. I was not thinking about retirement."

Each week, Luis Miguel Echegaray discusses the latest from the soccer world, including standout performances, what you might have missed and what to keep an eye on in the coming days.

ONSIDE

Lionel Messi is coming to America

This is huge.

To call Messi's move to MLS and Inter Miami a monumental moment for America's soccer landscape is to undersell it. His arrival will undoubtedly be a catalyst for the sport's popularity in the country and accelerate viewership ahead of the 2026 World Cup when the U.S., Canada and Mexico host.

When David Beckham arrived in 2007 to the Los Angeles Galaxy, he catapulted the league's popularity while simultaneously introducing more commercial and team control (the designated player rule was created because of him) at a time when growth and exposure was essential. Messi's arrival will make Beckham's move to L.A. look like Dietmar Hamann to Bolton Wanderers (sorry Dietmar, didn't mean to throw shade). My point is that Messi -- whose announcement alone is already making a significant impact (see Inter Miami's ticket sales and social media followers) -- will influence so many factors in regard to the sport's growth in the U.S. This wave is only getting bigger.

I am going to use a few of my "Onsides" today to explain the different factors of the Argentinian's move to South Beach, but in conclusion of this particular segment, Messi in Miami is a win for the overall exposure of the sport and everyone benefits, except Barcelona president Joan Laporta and whoever was in charge of writing the team's statement in response to Messi's move.

Messi, wife Antonella and their family win

The other talking point of Messi's arrival to Miami is that their family can finally balance Leo's demanding schedule, the growing Messi brand and the continued objective of delivering for a few more seasons, all while doing it in a city that can culturally facilitate the entire process. As a Spanish-speaking South American with family in Europe, it's important to understand that cultural and social acclimation can be difficult. When I left Peru for England, I was overwhelmed by many aspects of English life.

For Messi and his family, it won't be as challenging. But still, moving to another continent can be daunting for a family. I don't care how much money is thrown around, it's still difficult. Enter Miami, the Latin American capital of the world. The family already knows the city and owns property in South Beach. The language barrier won't be an issue (there are stores in Miami with signs that say, "We speak English") and many of their friends and family are constant visitors, making it a perfect place to continue Messi's next chapter.

Here's the biggest selling point, however, and one I have talked to many overseas MLS players about over the years. The pressure of playing and dealing with European, English and South American sports media can be too much to handle. Especially for Messi, whose life is a constant headline.

"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it was time to go to the league in the United States and live football in a different way and enjoy my day-to-day," Messi told Mundo Deportivo and Sport regarding his announcement. "Obviously with the same responsibilities and desire to win and to always do things well. But with more peace."

Peace is the operative word. Messi wants to be happy. He wants his family to be happy. Anyone who knows Miami well will tell you that you don't necessarily associate peace with the city in south Florida, but his point remains. The pressures are different.

MLS and Inter Miami also win

When Beckham arrived at the Galaxy -- essentially as the second chapter of MLS' growth and evolution (the first chapter was its debut in 1996) -- the league had 13 teams. His arrival exploded attendance numbers at Home Depot Center and elevated the league to new heights. Granted, this took time, but his introduction also introduced the DP role and forever changed the salary restrictions in MLS.

Part of his arrival agreement was also the opportunity to purchase a franchise (except New York City) for a fixed price of $25 million. The choice? Inter Miami. Fast forward to the present and MLS now has 29 teams with the 30th (San Diego) landing in 2025. Inter Miami was the 25th back in 2020 and three years later, Beckham's friend Messi is on his way.

Apple, the league's main distributor, gambled on a global strategy with MLS and Messi's arrival now adds the exclamation point of marketable exposure. Adidas, the league's kit partner, also wins in what should be unprecedented shirt sales. Just for context, PSG sold more than a million Messi-printed shirts in their first season and that number is going to be low compared with Inter Miami's expectations. Their ticket sales and the current Fort Lauderdale-based stadium will be a problem in terms of handling demands, and as I write this, Inter Miami's Instagram account has grown from 1 million to 6.7 million followers, within the first 48 hours of Messi's announcement.

There are also talks of Sergio Busquets joining as well as other reputable, albeit aging, stars such as Jordi Alba. Time is not necessarily an issue but it's also not a commodity. Beckham had to wait until his fifth season with the Galaxy to win his first MLS Cup, and Messi probably doesn't have that long (he turns 36 this month), but the hope is to strengthen the team sooner rather than later. It won't be easy or quick, since Miami sit bottom of the table and don't have a coach.

Regardless, Messi's arrival is a victory for other clubs in the league as his introduction impacts other possible transfer targets. More players from all over the world will want to come to the league. Before Messi, MLS was already healthy as it has a core of young Latin Americans including young Argentinians (Thiago Almada, Emanuel Reynoso, Julian Carranza) as well as Europeans (Lorenzo Insigne, Xherdan Shaqiri) and big Mexican names (Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez).

Now, MLS has Messi. This is how a league becomes powerful.

OFFSIDE

Can Inter block Man City's treble?

The Messi telenovela made us forget that there's a tiny, trivial thing called the Champions League final on Saturday. The imperial Man City, genius manager Pep Guardiola and his team of superstars, notably the Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland, are hoping for history against Internazionale with the chance of a treble after winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

Let's begin with the fact that I don't see anything less than a Man City victory. This team is just too good. Even when they're not good, they're good. Even when they're down on their luck during a match, all they need is a moment. So do I think Simone Inzaghi's resilient, stubborn Inter can get something here? No. I don't.

I don't want Man City to win. It's too much. It's overwhelming to think that this is an omnipotent team, one built out of proverbial titanium. Yes, I'm jealous of their grandiosity. I'm jealous of their almost perfection and honestly, I don't think I have gotten over Jack Grealish's exit from Aston Villa to City. I can't shake off these charges of breaches of financial fair play, either.

Pep is Thanos, the squad represents his infinity stones and by Saturday night, the world will be theirs. At least for a few years.

Why we need to talk about Saudi Arabia's intriguing and controversial master plan

Thank God Lionel Messi chose MLS because honestly, the Saudi Pro League was about to have its own lunch, eat it and then take over the whole restaurant. After Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Al-Nassr -- combined with the Public Investment Fund's majority takeover of Newcastle United in 2021 and the more recent LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger -- we knew that this league and the nation were ready to make a continued statement of sporting dominance.

Along came Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, the ludicrous offer to Messi and other players such as Luka Modric, Busquets and more. What's next? A bid for the 2030 World Cup is undoubtedly in the cards. From a footballing perspective, I don't know if this plan will work because the Chinese Super League and early stages of MLS taught us that aging superstars alone can't build a power league. You need much more. That's the next step.

Then there's the other, difficult question outside of football. What does it all mean from a social perspective? From a political one? Is this blatant sportswashing getting out of control? Or are we being culturally ignorant to a league and culture we know little about but love to criticize? Or do we do just that and take head-on Saudi Arabia's record on human rights violations and oppression of the LGBTQ+ community and women?

There is also the perspective from the Saudi Arabian people, whose population is young. 70% are under 35, and Saudi Arabia's aim is to attract more tourists to the country while generating a stronger economy. The leaders, like those in Europe and America, want to solidify their economic prosperity.

But I'm just going to tell you this. Sportswashing succeeds when we let it go. There is a clear plan to expand the sporting industry thanks to the Saudis' prodigious wealth, but at the same time it is inside a society that limits freedom of speech and imposes shocking punishments, such as executions, on those who break the law.

Of course, we live in a hypercritical world and also one that pushes whataboutism. The point is to keep having these conversations and not to lecture but to learn and progress.

Tweet of the week

Give this kid all the flowers. He even had time to throw shade at Spurs.

'West Ham are the best club in the world'

On #BBCBreakfast it's all nearly too much for one young fan after West Ham won their first major trophy for 43 years with Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentinahttps://t.co/7pglNIZL19 pic.twitter.com/mHvlrmI35V

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) June 8, 2023

The Houston Astros have placed slugger Yordan Alvarez on the 10-day injured list with right oblique discomfort, it was announced Friday.

The outfielder will return to Houston for further evaluation.

Alvarez, who was serving as the designated hitter, left Thursday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays after a ground out in the first inning. He said he first felt sore when hitting in the cage before the game and felt pain again when he swung and missed at the first two pitches in his lone at bat.

"That's a tough blow right there. We've just got to regroup and try to figure out how we're going to win some ballgames and get through this."

Alvarez came in batting .274 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in 56 games.

The AL Rookie of the Year in 2019, Alvarez was an All-Star for the first time last season, when he hit .306 with a career-high 37 home runs and 97 RBIs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has turned getting ejected by umpires into such a regular occurrence that his players -- and even his family -- debate their favorite signature moments, like he's a sitcom character.

"You see him out there yelling," said Yankees captain Aaron Judge with a laugh. "He has passion. I love the gum throw. You've got him doing stuff with his hat."

It's not just that Boone is getting tossed at an historic rate, earning him a recent one-game suspension from MLB after two ejections in a four-game span. It's not just that Boone has been tossed 30 times in his five-plus seasons as a manager. It's that Boone has been ejected enough times his players have begun breaking down his style -- like Judge's favorite, the gum tosses, which recently got meme'd into a phony Statcast treatment.

Aaron Boone's gum throw via statcast pic.twitter.com/rW4s7LBuel

— gabe (@PlayoffTanaka_) May 16, 2023

"There's an art form to it," said Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader on the gum toss. "He does it incredibly well. I respect it and I support it at all times."

Boone has been ejected more times in his career than Dusty Baker, who has managed 20 more seasons. As it currently stands, Boone has the third-highest ejection rate in MLB history, behind only Paul Richards and Frankie Frisch and ahead of notorious grousers such as Earl Weaver, Bobby Cox and Ron Gardenhire. It's a feat made more impressive because Boone manages in the instant replay era, which has reduced potential friction between skippers and umps. Those within the Yankees' clubhouse -- and even in the umpires' room -- say his willingness to stand up for his team in this way is a feature, not a bug.

"I just think it shows what kind of leader he is for this team," Judge said. "I can be mad about this ball and strike, but Booney is going to have my back. He's going to speak up and voice the opinion of the team and me."

In 2019, Boone famously got tossed by umpire Brendan Miller after a now-iconic, expletive-laden "savages in the box" rant. While Boone has become a frequent antagonist on the field for umpires, his relationships with the crews behind the scenes remain extremely friendly and cordial, according to multiple umpires who spoke to ESPN.

"Not many Yankees get ejected -- he's always taking the fire," said one veteran umpire, who spoke to ESPN on the condition of anonymity. "He's just doing the job that he's supposed to do."

A manager's relationship with umpires can be very different on the field and off of it. Cox, who was ejected an MLB record 162 times -- a full season's worth of games -- over his 29 years as manager of the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays, famously got into screaming matches with umps. But when the crews would visit his restaurant in Atlanta, he often picked up their checks -- serving up an apology along with it. Umpires frequently cite Boone's background in baseball -- he comes from a line of major leaguers that includes his grandfather, Ray; his father, Bob (who managed for six seasons after a long playing career); and his brother, Bret -- as the foundation for a common understanding that what happens on the diamond stays there.

"If he crosses a line and makes it personal, then he's probably going to get ejected, but he comes from a great baseball family and he knows what his job is," another umpire said. "The whole thing is funny."

Regardless, his growing reputation for piling up ejections is one Boone hopes to change, especially upon hearing that he's outpacing Weaver and Cox for career ejections.

"Going to slow down then," Boone said. "But all of a sudden, you have three in a week. I don't want to get tossed. I'm trying to back off a bit more right now. But at the same time, not wanting to lose the edge that I want our players to have and things that I want to fight for. I don't want our players to get kicked out at all if possible."

Boone says his wife, Laura Cover, and four children usually do not mention the ejections when he comes home after being thrown out of a game. But when the gum toss got the attention of his 14-year-old daughter, Bella, Boone used the moment to impart some wisdom.

"Do as I say," Boone said to Bella. "Not as I do."

While Boone hopes to tone it down, Yankees players find his moments of passion refreshing. Typically, Boone remains even-keeled, never getting too high or too low after a big win or loss. The contrast between his largely calm demeanor and the intense persona that emerges while jawing at umpires fires up the dugout.

"You want a manager that will go to war for his guys," Yankees outfielder Willie Calhoun said. "Some managers don't do that at all. So when you see that, it just makes you want to run through a wall [for him]."

That type of support helps spur on struggling players, too. Yankees utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa has received significant criticism at times from the Yankees fan base after scuffling both at the plate and in the field. But, he said, Boone sticking up for him, whether it's with an ump or while facing the media, helped give him the confidence he could turn things around.

"It gives you this peace of mind and it helps you show up to work in a good state," Kiner-Falefa said. "He shows he really cares."

Boone understands there might be some umpires who are rubbed the wrong way by his actions, but he says his intention is to never make it about more than one moment.

"I always try to have relationships, that part is really easy for me," Boone said. "It's very easy to move on, have what I think hopefully is the right kind of relationship with them. A respectful one."

As for the gum? Before games, Boone stockpiles it to keep near him on the bench. The stack then shrinks across nine innings. Whenever Judge tries to steal a piece before heading to the on-deck circle, Boone gets extremely protective. So when Judge sees a piece of gum flying through the air during one of Boone's arguments, he knows the skipper has taken extreme exception to a call.

"To see him waste one, and knowing how much he loves it," Judge said, "it means a lot."

Britain's Andy Murray came back from a set down to beat Jason Kubler and reach the semi-finals at the Surbiton Trophy.

Second seed Murray is the last remaining seeded player left in the tournament in Surrey.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray skipped the French Open to focus on the grass-court season and hopes to be seeded at next month's Wimbledon.

"I knew it was going to be hard," said Murray. "He played well and has a lot of variety in his game and was one of the best juniors in the world but has had some problems with injuries.

"I did fine, it was very windy and gusty a lot so tough to feel great when it is like that but I did well in the important moments.

"Most of the tournaments you play on tour are in purpose-built facilities whereas coming here, you all love tennis and are probably members, so it's always nice to play at clubs like this.

"It has been a good run so far and hopefully I can go a bit further than last year [when he lost in the semi-final]."

Murray, ranked 43rd in the world, broke first in the third game of the match, although his advantage only lasted a few minutes as he lost his next service game against the fifth-seeded Australian.

In game eight, Murray then had his serve broken again and Kubler, 30, then served out the opening set.

But Murray broke Kubler's serve in the eighth game of the second set and then twice more in the early stages of the deciding set.

Murray is the last British player in the men's tournament, with Dan Evans, Liam Broady, Mark Whitehouse, Daniel Cox, Billy Harris, Ryan Peniston and Harry Wendelken all losing in the opening two rounds.

Reigning champion Thompson beat fellow Australian Rinky Hijikata 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 in his quarter-final.

Women's final to feature at least one British player

In the women's competition, three of the four semi-finalists are British.

Britain's Katie Boulter, who will become the new British number one and replace Emma Raducanu if she gets to the final, defeated Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic 7-5 6-2.

Boulter led 4-1 in the first set, then lost three games in a row but gained another break in the 12th game to win the opening set.

The second set was more straightforward as she broke the Golubic serve in the second and eighth games to complete the win.

Boulter will face Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in the semi-final and if Boulter wins that it will be an all-British final as Katie Swan plays Yuriko Lily Miyazaki in the other semi-final.

Swan fought back from a set down to eliminate top seed Tatjana Maria of Germany, winning 3-6 6-3 6-4, while Miyazaki overcame fellow Briton Isabelle Lacy 6-3 6-0.

Boulter said: "Yesterday was a battle in three sets and I'm so glad to get through in two sets.

"It's always tricky against a tough opponent but I fought really hard and found a way to win.

"I'm really enjoying it so far and the first week of the grass-court season is always a big buzz, especially among the British players."

Novak Djokovic is one win away from a record 23rd men's major title after moving into the French Open final by beating Carlos Alcaraz in a contest ruined by an injury to the Spaniard.

He twice carried on after treatment but Serbia's Djokovic took full advantage to run away with a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 win.

Djokovic, 36, will play Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.

Norwegian fourth seed Ruud was last year's beaten finalist, while German 22nd seed Zverev is back in the semi-finals after suffering a serious ankle injury on court at the same stage 12 months ago.

Coincidentally, before Zverev's return to the last four, this year's opening semi-final was also cut short by a physical issue - although thankfully top seed Alcaraz's problem was not of the same gravity as the German's injury, which kept him out for several months.

But it was enough to spoil an encounter which was blossoming into a classic.

"First and foremost I have to say tough luck to Carlos," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"At this level the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems. I feel for him, I feel sorry, I hope he can recover and come back pretty soon.

"He knows how young he is, he's got plenty of time ahead of him and he will win this tournament many times."

Alcaraz, 20, hit a forehand into the net on Djokovic's second match point, bowing his head as he trudged to the net, where the third seed waited to console his younger opponent.

Djokovic applauded Alcaraz off the court along with the crowd, but only after the two-time champion received some boos as he celebrated reaching a record-extending 34th Grand Slam men's final by pointing to the sky.

The mood turned more celebratory as Djokovic took the post-match microphone, with fans chanting the former world number one's name.

"It is tough for him not knowing whether to retire or finish the match but congratulations to him for showing fighting spirit and hanging in," Djokovic added.

"I just tried to stay focused, stay present and not think too much about what was happening on the opposite side of the net."

How blockbuster semi-final was cruelly cut short

All fortnight, the talk in Paris had been about the prospective meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with the pair's serene progress through the draw turning that dream into a reality.

The two men had long been considered the main contenders to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires, even before 14-time champion Rafael Nadal withdrew with a hip injury.

Djokovic has lifted five of the past seven majors he has played while Alcaraz had won four of his eight tournaments this season and replaced the Serb at the top of the world rankings.

However, duels between the pair have been rare and further increased the hype around the blockbuster semi-final.

A high-quality, high-octane start ensured that it did not disappoint.

Two lengthy opening sets demonstrated why there had been so much anticipation, both players showing their explosive power from the baseline, coupled with deft touches around the net and elasticated athleticism.

Djokovic's vast experience in his 45th major semi-final enabled him to dominate the opener, before Alcaraz - whose tension was evident through a high number of unforced errors - improved his level in the second.

Then came the pivotal moment which left Chatrier murmuring and fearing the match would be over prematurely.

After hitting a forehand into the net at 40-30 as Djokovic served in the second game, Alcaraz immediately pulled up and hopped onto his left leg.

The US Open champion signalled he needed help and, after umpire Aurelie Tourte jumped down to assist alongside Djokovic, Alcaraz limped back to his chair.

He received attention from the physio on his right calf but with the problem deemed to be cramp, he was not allowed within Grand Slam rules to take a medical timeout outside of a changeover and was subsequently docked the game to hand Djokovic a 2-1 lead.

The decision was met with loud boos from the crowd, who have become renowned for their negative reactions this fortnight.

Alcaraz gamely tried to carry on, receiving more treatment after the fifth game, but Djokovic sensed his opportunity and ruthlessly exploited his opponent's lack of movement.

Alcaraz quickly lost the third set and headed towards a bagel in the fourth but managed to get on the scoreboard again late on, bringing a rousing reception from the sympathetic crowd.

But everyone knew it had long stopped being a contest and Djokovic quickly served out to reach a seventh Roland Garros final.