Some ZYN nicotine pouches can be sold as safer than cigarettes, FDA says
The maker of ZYN nicotine pouches can tell consumers its products are safer to use than cigarettes, the Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.
The agency has authorized Swedish Match USA, Inc., which is part of Philip Morris International, to say that 20 of its ZYN products “put you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis” than cigarettes.
It’s long been clear that burning tobacco in cigarettes is toxic and can cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Nicotine is the substance in cigarettes that make them so addictive.
Nicotine pouches — which users tuck between their lip and gum and later discard — can contain as much as 6 milligrams of nicotine. They are not approved by the FDA as nicotine replacement products used to help quit smoking.
The change applies to select ZYN flavors, such as Cool Mint, Citrus, Coffee and Cinnamon, in both 3-milligram and 6-milligram strengths.
Fruity flavors known to be favored among kids, such as Black Cherry and Peach, are not included.
Last week, the FDA’s annual National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 1.7% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in 2025, with more than 1 in 6 of those kids saying they used them every day. ZYN was the most popular nicotine pouch brand reported.
Mike Seilback, assistant vice president of nationwide advocacy and state public policy at the American Lung Association, called the move “appalling.”
“The Lung Association calls on the FDA to reverse this action,” Seilback said in an emailed statement. “We must protect our children from a lifelong addition to nicotine.”
The FDA’s authorization requires Swedish Match USA to study how its customers perceive risks associated with their products for the next five years. It also stipulates that if the FDA sees evidence of a significant increase in kids using the products, the agency could reverse course.
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Erika EdwardsErika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and "TODAY."
Brewers Bullpen Help Is on the Way Soon in DL Hall, Rob Zastryzny
Brewers Bullpen Help Is on the Way Soon in DL Hall, Rob Zastryzny
The Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen could use a lift and two internal pieces are working their way back.Patrick McAvoy|
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Milwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen has been thin recently due to injuries, but progress is being made behind the scenes.
Right now, Milwaukee's bullpen is missing options like DL Hall and Rob Zastryzny, among others. These hurlers are on the Injured List right now. Hall is dealing with a pec issue and Zastryzny is on the Injured List with a left trapezius strain. Zastryzny hasn't pitched in a game in the majors yet this season. Zastryzny was activated off the Injured List on May 31, but was placed right back on it just a few days later on June 3 with the trapezius strain.
Right now, the Brewers have the eighth-best bullpen ERA in baseball at 3.68. There's just over one month to go until the 2026 MLB trade deadline. That could be an option for Milwaukee to improve the bullpen further. Also, whenever Hall and Zastryzny return, they will also help improve Milwaukee's bullpen. Before landing on the Injured List, Hall was in the middle of the best season of his career so far with a 2.03 ERA in a career-high 24 outings. Zastryzny hasn't pitched in the majors yet this season, but he had a 2.45 ERA last season in 26 outings. The Brewers need these guys back and Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 shared on Tuesday that Hall is expected back in late July and Zastryzny is expected back in mid-to-late July.
The Brewers Are Going To Get Even Better
"DL Hall has restarted throwing, estimated return is late July," Baumgardt wrote. "Rob Z is scheduled for a second Live BP today (25 pitches) and estimated return is mid-to-late July. Estimated return for Brandon Lockridge is also late July."
It would be great if both were able to return on Tuesday, but obviously that isn't the case. The fact that they both are expected to be just a few weeks away from a return is very positive, though. If both can return before the end of July, then Milwaukee should be able to get a look at this bullpen closer full strength before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Then, the club will have a better idea of whether it needs to go out and add a piece before the trade deadline, or if the bullpen is good as is.
You can never have enough good bullpen arms, especially if you're hoping to make a deep playoff run. But do you need to target an elite option and pay for someone like Aroldis Chapman, or target more of a depth? That's a real question. The Brewers are loaded and on top of these two, one of the club's starters could end up in the bullpen with Logan Henderson nearing his return.
The Brewers have been able to navigate difficult injuries all season, including in the bullpen. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Published 33 minutes ago
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PATRICK MCAVOYPatrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick received an MBA at Brandeis University. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "Milwaukee Brewers On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: [email protected]
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Rockies Showing More Progress Than Their Harsh Midseason Grade Suggests
Rockies Showing More Progress Than Their Harsh Midseason Grade Suggests
This is something that seems a little harsh considering what has happened in the first half of the 2026 season.Scott Roche|
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Colorado RockiesWhen the Colorado Rockies hired new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta last winter, it signaled a change and restart for an organization that was coming off a third straight 100-loss season.
A rebuild was beginning, and it wasn't going to happen overnight. However, small steps were expected, and you can make the case that it has happened.
Sure, the Rockies are in last place in the National League West Division at 33-52 after a 10-7 loss to the Miami Marlins at home on Monday night. They are just two wins behind the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, who each have 35. There is still a path to fewer than 100 losses in 2026.
Small progress. While Colorado could still end up losing 100 games this summer, steps are being taken in the right direction. That's why a grade halfway through the season from Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report was a little harsh.
Rockies Receive Low Grade for Halfway Mark of 2026 Season
Kelly gave the Rockies a D- for the halfway point of the season, and that is honestly a bit harsh. Manager Warren Schaeffer has seen some of the young players who are building blocks for the future have breakout seasons.
Catcher Hunter Goodmacn has 26 home runs after hitting another one on Monday night against Miami. First baseman TJ Rumfield has been a surprise after being acquired from the New York Yankees over the winter. Third baseman Kyle Karros has been a nice young addition to the lineup as well. Mickey Moniak has nearly a .900 OPS.
The reason for the low grade appears to be Colorado's lack of pitching. DePodesta added veterans Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano and Jose Quintana to the rotation, but they haven't worked out as some had hoped. Bringing in those veterans was to help a rotation that didn't have high expectations and to have trade chips at the deadline.
"The problem in Denver remains the same, though. The Rockies signed veterans Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano and Jose Quintana to one-year deals in the offseason. Sugano has pitched the best of the trio, and he has a 4.80 ERA and 5.32 FIP,'' wrote Kelly.
Are the Rockies expected to contend in 2026? No, but for an organization that has lost 100-plus games three years in a row, you can't deny that small steps have been made. Putting together a pitching staff that will succeed at Coors Field is a lot easier said than done. If there is one area that is going to take time in rebuilding, it's with the pitching staff.
Colorado needs to develop young pitching and Kyle Freeland isn't going to be around forever. Developing young arms isn't going to happen overnight and patience is needed. However, the progress that has been made in multiple areas deserves a better grade than a D-.
Published 32 minutes ago | Modified 32 minutes ago
SCOTT ROCHEScott Roche has covered both college and professional sports for nearly three decades for various outlets. Scott has covered the MLB, NHL, and college sports and he is someone always looking for a good rumor, no matter which sport it is.
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Padres Leaving Door Open for Yu Darvish to Pitch This Season
Padres Leaving Door Open for Yu Darvish to Pitch This Season
Yu Darvish could potentially return to the Padres this season.Matt Levine|
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San Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres have been without starting pitcher Yu Darvish all year with the veteran undergoing internal brace surgery over the offseason.
After having the surgery, Darvish immediately ruled himself out for the 2026 season, with the right-hander pointing to 2027 for a return. But an offseason report from The San Diego Union-Tribune stating that Darvish had planned on retiring created all sorts of storylines.
However, Darvish quickly refuted the report, saying that no decision on his future had been made. The veteran has been rehabbing from the surgery, and now it seems that he could potentially make a return earlier than expected.
Darvish told Times of San Diego during the Padres' recent homestand that he expects to pitch again soon. Padres manager Craig Stammen followed that up by leaving his availability for 2026 up in the air, even though he said he didn't expect him back.
“He looks pretty good, but I don’t expect him back this year,” Stammen said. “Who knows? He could be that October surprise.”
Darvish is currently on the restricted list, so if the Padres wanted to reinstate him, they could easily make it happen. San Diego could apply at any time to the commissioner's office, allowing the veteran to come back once healthy.
The right-hander chose to be placed on the restricted list, giving up his $16 million salary for the 2026 season. But the veteran is still under contract for two more years, with him owed $30 million.
In all likelihood, the Padres won't rush Darvish back from the surgery recovery, especially due to his age. Darvish will turn 40 in August, making his comeback even tougher.
But the Padres will welcome Darvish back with open arms once he's healed, giving them more depth on the pitching staff. The veteran has made an impact this season even without pitching, helping other guys navigate through the year.
After going on the restricted list, president of baseball operations A.J. Preller discussed the future of Darvish with the team.
"He's not saying that he's retiring. That's not where we're at. But for him, he's going to see how he comes back. He's coming back from a major surgery, a second surgery on the elbow. So I think he's realistic about where that leaves him," Preller said.
"He’s going to continue with the rehab process and maybe we get to next year and he’s feeling in a different place and he wants to come back and give it a go."
Darvish has been a staple of the Padres' rotation since joining the team before the 2021 season. During his time in San Diego, Darvish has a 3.97 ERA over 651 innings pitched.
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Published 31 minutes ago
MATT LEVINEMatt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.
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