National Sports

TORONTO — Everything was set for the Toronto Blue Jays in their return to Rogers Centre for the opener of a season-ending homestand on Tuesday. A playoff-like atmosphere to set the tone for a critical three-game series.

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday: ___ WILD, WILD EAST Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

OTTAWA — As far as debuts go, quarterback Caleb Evans and the Ottawa Redblacks are thrilled at what transpired Tuesday night.

PANAMA CITY — Reduced to 10 men on hostile ground, Forge FC rolled up its sleeves Tuesday and got the job done against Panama's Independiente.

Melanie Newman made history earlier this season when she was part of Major League Baseball's first all-women's broadcast.

Toronto Maple Leafs star centre Auston Matthews participated in his first team practice Tuesday since undergoing off-season wrist surgery. Matthews skated with the main practice group for about half an hour before leaving the ice.

MONTREAL — Bryan Archambault has added duties with the Montreal Alouettes. The Alouettes appointed Archambault as a defensive assistant coach. He'll also remain the club's Director of National Scouting, a position he assumed in February 2020.

TORONTO — Lisa Thomaidis will not return as head coach of Canada's national women's basketball team, ending a run of nearly a decade at the helm of the program.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — For Conor Garland, a goal is a goal, even if it comes in a pre-season game. Every tally brings much-needed confidence heading into the NHL season, he said.

Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig has been suspended for a pre-season game and a regular-season game for cross-checking Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois.