
Howson to be first black FA Cup final official
Akil Howson makes history as the first black official at an FA Cup final!
Dave Dombrowski of the Philadelphia Phillies has shared exciting trade updates, hinting at potential trades as the season progresses. The Phillies recently fired Rob Thomson after a poor start to the season.
Mentioned in this story

Phillies' Dave Dombrowski reveals exciting trade update from around MLB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies made a big change recently, firing Rob Thomson as they look to try and rebound after a brutal 9-19 start to the year.
In Don Mattingly's first game, the Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants, and will hopefully carry that momentum going forward. But, there's still a lot of work to be done, especially for Dave Dombrowski.
And just one month into the regular season, Dombrowski revealed to Jon Morosi for MLB Network some exciting trade updates that could lead to a trade coming sooner rather than later this season.
"One @MLB trend to watch: Trade activity is starting early this year. Dave Dombrowski said yesterday: 'I've had trade conversations earlier than I ever have... Other clubs haven't been doing very well, either. Clubs have called around.'"
The Phillies aren't the only team struggling a bit this season. The New York Mets, , , , and are all in a similar boat.
Dave Dombrowski indicated that there are exciting trade updates that could lead to a trade happening sooner rather than later this season.
The Phillies fired Rob Thomson due to a disappointing 9-19 start to the season as they seek to improve their performance.
In Don Mattingly's first game as manager, the Phillies secured a victory against the San Francisco Giants.

Akil Howson makes history as the first black official at an FA Cup final!
Quinton de Kock misses match vs Sunrisers Hyderabad due to wrist injury
Detroit Tigers' defense struggles with 17 errors in 30 games.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto rank in Top 5 of 2026 NL Cy Young poll!
The Duquesne community mourns Ray Goss, the voice of Duquesne Basketball for 58 years, who died at 89.
Cubs pitcher Justin Steele shares emotional update on injury setback
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Along with the usual trade suspects, like the Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and Minnesota Twins, the trade market might get heated up soon.
Teams near the bottom of the standings need to turn things around ASAP, and trading for players might be one way of doing things.
And while normally trades might not happen until the summer for the trade deadline, with how many teams with World Series or postseason aspirations are struggling, teams might get a bit more aggressive this year than in years past.
The Phillies, as Dombrowski revealed, are one of those teams making trade calls and fielding trade calls already this season.
Alec Bohm might be on the move this season to upgrade their third base spot, while the outfield is always in need of an upgrade.
If the Phillies can begin to turn things around and get back within striking distance of contention, it would not be a surprise if they pursued a trade or two before the typical trade season begins.