LOS ANGELES >> Prized Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki says in an Instagram post he intends to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

A 23-year-old right-hander whose fastball tops 100 mph, Sasaki will join fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a move many baseball executives have long expected.

The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were said to be the other finalists still in pursuit of Sasaki, who has until next Thursday to finalize a contract.

Los Angeles has up to $5,146,200 available in its international signing bonus pool, though the Dodgers could make trades in the next week to increase the amount by up to 60%.

The Dodgers are planning to use a six-man rotation, which could ease Sasaki’s transition to Major League Baseball, as the Dodgers attempt to become the first repeat champion since the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.

Ohtani donating $500K to help firefighters, others affected by LA wildfires >> Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is donating $500,000 to help firefighters and animals forced to flee the deadly wildfires around the region.

Ohtani announced his intention on Instagram, with LA Strong in white lettering against a black background.

The Dodgers and other Los Angeles sports teams are partnering in selling an “LA Strong” collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts, with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and American Red Cross.

A’s agree with reliever Leclerc >> The Athletics agreed to terms on a $10 million, one-year contract with former Texas right-hander José Leclerc.

The 31-year-old Leclerc went 6-5 with a 4.32 ERA and one save in 64 relief appearances for the Rangers last season. He struck out 89 batters in 66 2-3 innings and held righties to a .193 batting average.

Toronto gets $2M in pool space >> Toronto acquired $2 million in international signing bonus pool allocation from the Cleveland Guardians as part of a trade that brought unperforming outfielder Myles Straw to the Blue Jays.

Cleveland will send $3.75 million to the Blue Jays, offsetting some of the $14.75 million Straw is guaranteed for the final two years of a $25 million, five-year contract. The Guardians will receive a player to be named or cash.

Toronto boosted its international signing pool to $8,261,600 and had not signed any players since the 2025 window opened Wednesday.

Mets, Minter agree to contract >> Turning their attention to the bullpen, the New York Mets have agreed with free agent left-hander A.J. Minter on a two-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

Multiple media outlets reported Minter, coming off left hip surgery, would be guaranteed $22 million and could opt out of the contract following the 2025 season.

The 31-year-old Minter has spent his entire eight-year major league career with the NL East rival Atlanta Braves, going 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 384 appearances — all in relief.

Pro basketball

Stewart scores first basket in Unrivaled history >> Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, debuted. The co-founders squared off in the opening game and fittingly Stewart scored the first basket in league history — a baseline jumper. Collier’s team got the last laugh though, rallying to win the inaugural game.

The idea for the domestic league was first discussed a couple of years ago and now it’s come to fruition.

The league features 36 of the best players in the WNBA.

Fans lined up in a light rain before the game taking advantage of an area outside the venue that had a basketball shot challenge, a basketball throne and other activities.

Sixers center Embiid to miss upcoming road trip >> Joel Embiid again has swelling in his left knee and will miss the Philadelphia 76ers’ upcoming road trip, the latest injury setback for the All-Star center who has played in only 13 games this season.

Embiid had been sidelined for the last six games with a sprained left foot. The 76ers said that Embiid had recovered from the foot injury but experienced knee swelling after a workout on Thursday. After consulting with team medical staff and outside doctors, Embiid will receive additional treatment and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.

College basketball

Staley’s extension richest salary in women’s hoops history >> Coach Dawn Staley received a contract extension that South Carolina said will make her the highest paid college women’s basketball coach of all-time at a total value of about $25 million.

Staley is signed through the 2029-30 season, earning $4 million a year to start with an annual $250,000 escalator. There’s also a $500,000 signing bonus, the school announced.

Soccer

Haaland signs lucrative new contract with Man City >> Erling Haaland has signed a new contract at Manchester City through 2034, committing his long-term future to the Premier League champions with one of the most lucrative deals in soccer amid uncertain times for the club on and off the field.

City announced the deal — covering 10 years from the start of this season — for the 24-year-old Haaland, who has scored 111 goals in 125 games since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 to establish himself as one of the best strikers in the world.

The Norway striker will be turning age 34 when the contract expires. The Athletic reported that the deal removed release clauses that were in his previous contract, which was due to expire in June 2027.