as the top hitter in the National League

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton is optimistic his sprained shoulder will be good to go in time for Sundays home opener against Cincinnati.If he wants to keep up with the rapidly maturing players behind him on the depth chart, its probably a good idea.Wheaton practiced Wednesday with an eye toward rejoining Pittsburghs electric offense for an early-season showdown with the Bengals. If Wheaton is being honest, he expected to be back earlier and remains at a loss why he found himself on the inactive listI wanted to go, I expected to go but I wasnt able to, Wheaton said.So Wheaton found himself watching instead of playing for the first time since his rookie season in 2013 while Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers filled in. The jitters were palpable -- for Wheaton, not the pair of second-year players eager to get involved in what may be the NFLs most talented group of playmakers.I get so excited watching those guys, I was more nervous watching than playing, Wheaton said.Coates and Rogers certainly looked at ease, particularly Rogers. Undrafted after coming out of Louisville in 2015, Rogers spent his rookie season on injured reserve. It wasnt fun, yet he took it as a chance to watch and learn from Antonio Brown. Rogers was the star of training camp while working out of the slot, his skinny 5-foot-10 frame adept at working in tight spaces.With Wheaton sidelined and Martavis Bryant out for the year while serving a drug suspension, Rogers did not waste his chance against Washington, catching six passes for 59 yards and his first NFL touchdown. That came when a pass intended for Coates smacked off Coates right to Rogers facemask before he cradled it in his arms.It was a huge game for him, Wheaton said. First time out. Got his first touchdown, in a weird way, but its still a touchdown nonetheless, so Im proud of him.Coates added two grabs for 66 yards, including a 42-yarder down the sideline that set up the first of Antonio Browns two touchdowns. Tight end Jesse James chipped in five receptions for 31 yards in a pretty savvy impersonation of retired Heath Miller. The Steelers put up 38 points even with running back LeVeon Bell out while serving a suspension of his own.As far as confidence builders go, what the young guys experienced should only make the Steelers that much harder to defend.It makes you feel good and it makes them feel good, Roethlisberger said. Some of those guys got their first NFL experience and for them to get that is a big thing. Ive got confidence in them and I think they have confidence in themselves, so thats key.No wonder Wheaton wants to get back out there and join in on the fun against the Bengals in the renewal of what is becoming one of the more intense rivalries in the AFC.Both teams are, in my opinion, getting better every year, Wheaton said. The rivalry is building because of it. The intensity is building because of it.Game notes LB Ryan Shazier did not practice Wednesday while undergoing treatment for a right knee issue that popped up last in the victory over Washington. ... RB DeAngelo Williams was selected AFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a league-high 143 yards on Monday night.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Adil Rami Jersey . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff. 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CLEVELAND -- David Ortiz is heading into retirement with some more hardware.The Boston Red Sox slugger captured the Hank Aaron Award on Wednesday as the top hitter in the American League this season.Budding Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant was honored as the top hitter in the National League.The award was presented before Game 2 of the World Series between the Cubs and?Cleveland Indians. It was determined through a combination of fan voting and a panel that includes Aaron and other Hall of Fame players.The 40-year-old Ortiz hit .315, with 38 home runs, 127 RBIs and 48 doubles, in the 20th and final season of his major league career. His 541 career home runs rank 17th all time.The 24-year-old Bryant hit .292, with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs, while helpping the Cubs cruise to the NL Central title and eventually a spot in the World Series.dddddddddddd Shortly after being honored, Bryant singled in the first inning for his first World Series hit.To win that award and have that particular man present it to you, its impressive, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Bryants accomplishment. At a young age, to be considered, then win it -- its not unlike Addison Russell going to the?All-Star Game. Winning an award like this can absolutely galvanize his thoughts about himself as a baseball player.Information from The Associated Press and ESPNs Jesse Rogers was used in this report. ' ' '