CINCINNATI (AP) — Nick Castellanos stood over, flexed and jawed at St. Louis pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring, setting off a series of scuffles that included relievers shoving in the outfield as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cardinals 9-6 Saturday. St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright was knocked around for six runs and chased in the third. The next inning, the teams started tagging each other. Castellanos, who homered on opening day and hopped out of the box before tossing his bat, was plunked by Woodford with two outs and none on in the fourth. Castellanos retrieved the ball and offered to toss it back to Woodford before flipping it out of play. A wild pitch soon sent Castellanos scampering home from third and he scored with a headfirst slide for a 7-2 lead as he bumped into Woodford, who took the throw from catcher Yadier Molina at the plate. As Castellanos began walking away, Molina rushed up and tapped him from behind, and the benches and bullpens emptied in a wild scene. There was... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Nick Castellanos stood over, flexed and jawed at St. Louis pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring, setting off a series of scuffles that included relievers shoving in the outfield as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cardinals 9-6 Saturday. St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright was knocked around for six runs and chased in the third. The next inning, the teams started tagging each other. Castellanos, who homered on opening day and hopped out of the box before tossing his bat, was plunked by Woodford with two outs and none on in the fourth. Castellanos retrieved the ball and offered to toss it back to Woodford before flipping it out of play. A wild pitch soon sent Castellanos scampering home from third and he scored with a headfirst slide for a 7-2 lead as he bumped into Woodford, who took the throw from catcher Yadier Molina at the plate. As Castellanos began walking away, Molina rushed up and tapped him from behind, and the benches and bullpens emptied in a wild scene. There was... [More]

Jay Bruce returned to the major leagues Saturday, making the New York Yankees' roster at the deadline for decisions on free agents who had gone to spring training with minor league contracts. Atlanta added third baseman Pablo Sandoval, infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones to its major league roster. The Chicago Cubs told infielder Eric Sogard he will be added. Detroit, having already told pitcher Julio Teheran he will be on the roster, informed pitcher Derek Holland he will be added and decided to pay a $100,000 retention bonus to keep pitcher Erasmo Ramirez. Under baseball's collective bargaining agreement, players who became free agents after the World Series and then went to spring training with minor league contracts had to be told by noon EDT Saturday that they would be added to the 40-man roster, paid the retention bonus or released. Released players can re-sign with the same team. Miami paid the retention bonus to catcher Sandy Leon, the only other player given the bonus.... [More]

Jay Bruce returned to the major leagues Saturday, making the New York Yankees' roster at the deadline for decisions on free agents who had gone to spring training with minor league contracts. Atlanta added third baseman Pablo Sandoval, infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones to its major league roster. The Chicago Cubs told infielder Eric Sogard he will be added. Detroit, having already told pitcher Julio Teheran he will be on the roster, informed pitcher Derek Holland he will be added and decided to pay a $100,000 retention bonus to keep pitcher Erasmo Ramirez. Under baseball's collective bargaining agreement, players who became free agents after the World Series and then went to spring training with minor league contracts had to be told by noon EDT Saturday that they would be added to the 40-man roster, paid the retention bonus or released. Released players can re-sign with the same team. Miami paid the retention bonus to catcher Sandy Leon, the only other player given the bonus.... [More]

Jay Bruce returned to the major leagues Saturday, making the New York Yankees' roster at the deadline for decisions on free agents who had gone to spring training with minor league contracts. Atlanta added third baseman Pablo Sandoval, infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones to its major league roster. The Chicago Cubs told infielder Eric Sogard he will be added. Detroit, having already told pitcher Julio Teheran he will be on the roster, informed pitcher Derek Holland he will be added and decided to pay a $100,000 retention bonus to keep pitcher Erasmo Ramirez. Under baseball's collective bargaining agreement, players who became free agents after the World Series and then went to spring training with minor league contracts had to be told by noon EDT Saturday that they would be added to the 40-man roster, paid the retention bonus or released. Released players can re-sign with the same team. Miami paid the retention bonus to catcher Sandy Leon, the only other player given the bonus.... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Daniel Johnson had a better spring training than any of Cleveland's outfielders, and all it did was get him sent to to the minor leagues. Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday as the Indians moved closer to finalizing their opening-day roster with a move that was tough on several fronts. With the Indians looking to fill spots in right and center field, the 25-year-old Johnson performed as well as any of the outfielders competing by batting .368 (7 for 19) with two homers and four RBIs in nine Cactus League games. Unlike some of the other outfielders in camp, however, Johnson still has options and because he didn't have a full minor league season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indians want him to get some extra work at all three outfield spots. “He had a really good camp,” manager Terry Francona said. "And he was very disappointed and we knew that was going to be the case. With the way spring training is right now and has been, and the amount of... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Outfielder Billy Hamilton won't make Cleveland's roster, and the Indians are trying to find him another team this spring. Manager Terry Francona said the club told Hamilton on Thursday that he wasn't part of their plans. The Indians will try to trade the 30-year-old, who signed a minor league contract last month and has been at big league training camp. “We just felt, out of respect to Billy, because of being the veteran he is and being the really good veteran that he is, we didn’t think it was right to ask him to get on a bus and back up guys if we knew he wasn’t gonna be on the team.” Francona said during a Zoom call from Arizona. “He was a pro’s pro. He’s such a good kid and we’ll certainly attempt to help him land somewhere. That’s why we did it this quickly.” Hamilton had his best seasons with Cincinnati from 2013-18. He stole at least 56 bases four straight seasons. He spent last season with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs. Hamilton had been competing for one of... [More]

Shohei Ohtani figured he’d be careful in his return to the mound after two injury-spoiled seasons. A few batters in, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation reached back for a little extra — and brought back some of the buzz that surrounded his major league debut three years ago. Ohtani reached 100 mph with his fastball and showed off his signature splitter while striking out five over 1 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 7-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday. The right-hander allowed a run, three hits and two walks, struggling to command his slider but showcasing the arm strength and stuff that allowed him to dominate in the majors before Tommy John surgery in 2018. “Since this was my first game, I wasn’t planning on letting it go in the beginning, especially early in counts,” Ohtani said via translator. “As the game went on, I felt better and I started throwing harder, but I think that led to me cutting the ball a couple times, so it’s something I have to work on.” The 26-year-old Japanese... [More]

Shohei Ohtani figured he’d be careful in his return to the mound after two injury-spoiled seasons. A few batters in, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation reached back for a little extra -- and brought back some of the buzz that surrounded his major league debut three years ago. Ohtani reached 100 mph with his fastball and showed off his signature splitter while striking out five over 1 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 7-3 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday. The right-hander allowed a run, three hits and two walks, struggling to command his slider but showcasing the arm strength and stuff that allowed him to dominate in the majors before Tommy John surgery in 2018. “Since this was my first game, I wasn’t planning on letting it go in the beginning, especially early in counts,” Ohtani said via translator. “As the game went on, I felt better and I started throwing harder, but I think that led to me cutting the ball a couple times, so it’s something I have to work on.” The 26-year-old Japanese... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Once adversaries, Eddie Rosario and Indians manager Terry Francona are now allies. So when Rosario, who spent the past six seasons hammering Cleveland pitchers while in Minnesota, sat down with Francona at spring training camp in Arizona for the first time last week, the free-swinging outfielder received a warm, if not awkward, welcome. “I told him it is so nice not to hate you anymore,” Francona cracked. Smashing eye-level pitches out of the strike zone and ones just inches above his cleats, Rosario tormented the Indians while with the Twins. He batted .353 with 11 homers, 12 doubles and three triples — his most in any ballpark — in games at Progressive Field, his new home. A free agent this winter, the 29-year-old Rosario signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Indians in December, joining a team he battled regularly and one desperate to fill a power void in its lineup following the departures of All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and slugger Carlos Santana.... [More]

For the Indians, the changes go beyond just dropping their debated name. As a new season dawns, the four-time All-Star shortstop and face of the franchise is long gone, traded to the New York Mets this winter along with one of Cleveland's most popular players and established pitchers. There are holes to fill at short, first and in the outfield. Manager Terry Francona, who zips around Cleveland on a scooter, is driving a golf cart after surgery. Fans can't escape the Midwest cold and watch the Indians field grounders or take batting practice in the warm Arizona sunshine. Things look a lot different. But despite their altered state, and gloomy projections about their win total 2021, the Indians are confident they can contend. Maybe even do more than that. “I know we’re going to make a lot of noise,” warned slugger Franmil Reyes. "Watch out!” Bounced by the New York Yankees in the wild-card round to end the shortened 2020 season, the Indians held their first full-squad workout in Goodyear,... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Billy Hamilton has joined the Indians' cluttered outfield competition. The free agent finalized his contract on Monday with Cleveland, which will give Hamilton a chance to win a roster spot during training camp in Arizona. Hamilton agreed to terms on a minor league deal last week with an invitation to big league spring training, and the contract was completed after he completed medical tests. Hamilton, who spent last season with the Cubs and Mets, gives the Indians another option as they try to fix an outfield that hasn't produced much in recent seasons. The 30-year-old Hamilton has 305 career steals over eight seasons with Cincinnati, Kansas City, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. Hamilton had his best years with the Reds from 2013-18. He stole at least 56 bases over a four-year span. The Indians this month signed free agent Eddie Rosario to an $8 million, one-year deal, and he projects to get one of their three starting outfield jobs. The other two seem up for grabs along with a backup spot. Hamilton is a career .241 hitter with 101 doubles, 36 triples, 22 home runs and 178 RBIs. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Speedy free agent outfielder Billy Hamilton has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Thursday night. Hamilton, who spent last season with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, will also receive an invitation to big league training camp, the person said on condition of anonymity because the contract can't be finalized until medical tests are completed. The 30-year-old Hamilton will be added to a congested outfield competition for the Indians, who are trying to upgrade a problem area over the past few seasons. Cleveland signed former Minnesota slugger Eddie Rosario to an $8 million, one-year deal last week, but he appears to be the only player guaranteed a starting spot. Earlier on Thursday, the Indians and veteran Ben Gamel agreed to a minor league deal with a camp invitation. Hamilton has a .241 career batting over eight seasons, six with the Cincinnati Reds. He's also played for Kansas City and Atlanta. Hamilton would bring the Indians some speed. He stole at least 56 bases for the Reds each season from 2014-17. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ben Gamel is being given a shot to win one of the Indians' open outfield jobs. Cleveland and Gamel agreed to a minor league contract on Thursday, and he was invited to big league spring training camp. The 27-year-old has played 442 major league games for the Yankees, Mariners and Brewers. Gamel's agreement came a week after the Indians gave former Minnesota slugger Eddie Rosario to an $8 million, one-year contract. Rosario will get one of Cleveland's starting outfield spots, but the other two appear up for grabs. Gamel spent the past two seasons with Milwaukee. Last year he batted .237 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 40 games. He had his best season with Seattle in 2017, when he hit .275 with 11 homers and drove in 59 runs. Gamel will compete in Arizona with Jake Bauers, Oscar Mercado, Bradley Zimmer, Daniel Johnson, Jordan Luplow and Josh Naylor for a roster spot as the Indians look to improve an outfield that has been woefully unproductive in recent years. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ben Gamel is being given a shot to win one of the Indians' open outfield jobs. Cleveland and Gamel agreed to a minor league contract on Thursday, and he was invited to big league spring training camp. The 27-year-old has played 442 major league games for the Yankees, Mariners and Brewers. Gamel's agreement came a week after the Indians gave former Minnesota slugger Eddie Rosario to an $8 million, one-year contract. Rosario will get one of Cleveland's starting outfield spots, but the other two appear up for grabs. Gamel spent the past two seasons with Milwaukee. Last year he batted .237 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 40 games. He had his best season with Seattle in 2017, when he hit .275 with 11 homers and drove in 59 runs. Gamel will compete in Arizona with Jake Bauers, Oscar Mercado, Bradley Zimmer, Daniel Johnson, Jordan Luplow and Josh Naylor for a roster spot as the Indians look to improve an outfield that has been woefully unproductive in recent years. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A team-by-team look at the American League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad: ___ Minnesota Twins Manager: Rocco Baldelli (third season). 2020: 36-24, first place, lost to Houston in first round of playoffs. Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida. Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex. First Workout: Feb. 19/23. He’s Here: SS Andrelton Simmons, RHP Alex Colomé, LHP J.A. Happ, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Shaun Anderson, RHP Ian Hamilton, OF Keon Broxton, LHP Andrew Albers. He’s Outta Here: LF Eddie Rosario, RHP Sergio Romo, RHP Trevor May, RHP Jake Odorizzi, INF/OF Marwin Gonzalez, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Tyler Clippard, RHP Matt Wisler, INF Ehire Adrianza, C Alex Avila. Going campin’: The Twins return largely the same team that won the last two AL Central titles, aiming to end their major league-record 18-game postseason losing streak. The pitching staff was superb... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Eddie Rosario's days of tormenting the Indians are over. “It’s nice to have him on this side of the ball,” said Chris Antonetti, Cleveland's president of baseball operations. Rosario passed his physical on Thursday, finalizing the $8 million, one-year contract the free agent outfielder agreed to late last week. The 29-year-old gives Cleveland’s lineup an injection of power following the departures of All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Carlos Santana this offseason. Rosario spent the past six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, helping them win back-to-back AL Central titles the last two years. “I’ve had many years and many memories of him hitting pitches from all different locations out of the ballpark against us,” Antonetti said. “So it will be good to have his bat in our lineup.” A left-handed hitter, Rosario hit 13 homers in 57 games last season. He hit a career-high 32 homers and drove in 109 runs in 2019. Rosario was especially tough on Cleveland pitching,... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent outfielder Eddie Rosario has joined the Cleveland Indians, adding a quality player who has haunted their pitchers in recent years. Rosario passed his physical on Thursday and finalized the $8 million, one-year contract he agreed to late last week. He gives Cleveland's lineup an injection of power following the departures of All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Carlos Santana this offseason. The 29-year-old Rosario spent the past six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, helping them win back-to-back AL Central titles the last two years. A left-handed hitter, Rosario hit 13 homers in 57 games last season. He hit a career-high 32 homers and drove in 109 runs in 2019. Rosario was especially tough on Cleveland pitching, hitting his most homers (22 in 93 games) against the Indians. Cleveland's outfield has lacked offensive production in recent years as the club resorted to using a platoon of players at all three positions. Rosario can handle any of the... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrelton Simmons picked the Minnesota Twins, eager to play for a balanced team that's on track to be a contender again in the American League. Adding a seasoned, slick-fielding shortstop like Simmons made the Twins even more well-rounded. The Twins finalized an $10.5 million, one-year contract Sunday with Simmons, strengthening their infield for 2021 as they seek a third straight AL Central division title and attempt to stop their record postseason losing streak. “It doesn’t just add to our defense. I think it’s going to add to the way our pitchers throw the ball and go about their business," said manager Rocco Baldelli, who called Simmons “one of the greatest defenders of our generation" during a video conference call with reporters. “I just think that the ability to help ourselves on that side of the ball in such a dynamic way was something that we couldn’t resist.” Simmons agreed to the deal earlier in the week. The four-time Gold Glove award winner will allow Jorge... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins finalized an $10.5 million, one-year contract on Sunday with shortstop Andrelton Simmons, enhancing their infield defense for 2021 as they seek a third straight AL Central division title and attempt to stop their record postseason losing streak. Simmons agreed to the deal earlier in the week. The four-time Gold Glove award winner will allow Jorge Polanco to move to second base and form a strong tandem on the left side with third baseman Josh Donaldson. The 31-year-old Simmons played the last five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. Ankle injuries have sidelined the Curacao native for stretches in each of the last three years. Since 2012, his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves, Simmons leads all players in baseball in two key defensive metrics: runs saved (191) and ultimate zone rating (113.1). Simmons batted .297 in 30 games during the pandemic-shortened season and is a career .269 hitter in nine years with Atlanta and the Angels. The Twins, who have lost 18 consecutive postseason games, signed starting pitcher J.A. Happ and relief pitcher Hansel Robles to supplement their roster. Left fielder Eddie Rosario and relief pitcher Trevor May have joined other teams. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz and starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi are the Minnesota's most prominent free agents who remain unsigned. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports