JESSICA MENDOZA

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

Hayward is one of the 56 elite players signed to suit up when Athletes Unlimited launches the first of its professional women's sports leagues in late August. Athletes Unlimited gives players a big say in decisions the league makes, whether it's the uniform colors or TV deals. Theyre amazing athletes," said Jon Patricof, co-founder and CEO of Athletes Unlimited. A lot of what were trying to do is bring in onscreen graphics, miking up of players, Patricof said. A big point of emphasis for Athletes Unlimited is building the players brand.

MLB analyst Jessica Mendoza signed a multiyear extension with ESPN, the network said in a press release Friday. She'll be resigning her role as a baseball operations advisor to the New York Mets. Mendoza, 39, will be the first woman to serve as a solo analyst on national baseball telecasts. She will also be the first woman to serve as a World Series game analyst on national radio this season, according to the release. Mendoza first joined ESPN in 2007 and has served as an analyst on Sunday Night Baseball since August 2015.