Digest

SOCCER

Giroud strikes to boost Chelsea's CL chances

Olivier Giroud put Chelsea closer to Champions League qualification by sealing a 1-0 victory over relegated Norwich on Tuesday.

Giroud headed in Christian Pulisic's cross from the left wing in first-half stoppage time.

"I was delighted with Christian's movement to run behind and the little angle because that's not what we were doing in the early stages of the game. The linkup is good," said Blues boss Frank Lampard, whose side has tightened its grip on third place in the Premier League with two games remaining.

It was the 33-year-old Giroud's fourth goal in seven games since the league resumed after its three-month coronavirus shutdown.

"I missed some things sometimes I didn't miss usually, a lack of confidence maybe, but my desire to score was bigger so I just tried to stay focused," the French forward said.

BASEBALL

MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns

About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus.

Two sources familiar with the situation told Associated Press about the decisions on Tuesday. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman are among a dozen or so players who won't participate this year because of health issues. The 60-game, virus-abbreviated season begins July 23.

There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are aged 55 or over.

Dodgers selling fan cutouts for up to $299

Fans wanting to see their faces at Dodger Stadium can buy cutouts for prices ranging up to $299.

The team said Tuesday that net proceeds from the sale will benefit the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Cutouts in the Dugout Club or new Pavilion Home Run Seats cost $299. Field and loge cutout locations cost $149.

The sale opened to the public on Wednesday.

Made of weatherproof material, the cutouts are 46 centimeters wide and 76 cm high. The images are subject to team approval.

The coronavirus pandemic, along with government orders prohibiting large gatherings, means fans won't be able to attend in person when the shortened 60-game season begins July 23.

The team said that if fans are eventually allowed this season, it reserves the right to relocate or remove the cutouts. All sales are final.

BASKETBALL

Kings' Barnes reveals coronavirus diagnosis

Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings became the latest NBA player to reveal that he has the coronavirus, making the announcement Tuesday and saying he hopes to join his team for the league's restart later this summer.

Barnes is the only player who has started all 64 of the Kings' games this season. To extend that streak, he'll need to be cleared and arrive at Walt Disney World before Sacramento's season resumes with the first of its eight seeding games on July 31 against San Antonio.

"Prior to the team leaving last week, I tested positive for COVID-19," Barnes wrote on social media. "I've been primarily asymptomatic and am doing well. I'm quarantined and abiding by the safety protocol until I'm cleared for action. I hope to join my team in Orlando when it is safe to do so! Stay safe out there."

Barnes is averaging 14.7 points this season for the Kings.

Nikola Jokic, returning from a positive coronavirus test, completed his quarantine period Tuesday and watched his Denver Nuggets teammates practice at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

Xinhua - Agencies