Thu Mar 21 2019 | 03:47 | Ichiro gets the start in what could be his last MLB game | Ichiro Suzuki | RF | Mariners | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki is in the starting lineup for the Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in what might be his last game in the majors.Seattle manager Scott Servais had earlier hinted that, after Ichiro started in a season-opening victory against the A's on Wednesday, he might not start on Thursday in the final game of the brief series.Servais says: I wasn't quite sure. I thought we'd give him the opportunity to go out there. And I'd love to see him get a couple of hits and finish on a high note here."The future of 45-year-old Ichiro is unclear. Many expect him to retire after the Japan series, or when the Mariners return home for two spring training games with the San Diego Padres before the regular season resumes against the Boston Red Sox.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 03:37 | Seager homers for Dodgers in return from elbow, hip surgery | Javier Báez | 2B | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Cole Hamels | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Machado | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Anthony Rizzo | 1B | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Corey Seager | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Julio Urías | SP | Dodgers | Free Agent |
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Corey Seager returned with a bang to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup Wednesday night.The star shortstop, playing against major league competition for the first time in nearly a year, homered to center field in his second at-bat against Chicago Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels at Sloan Park."It was just fun. The adrenaline, the excitement, it was really good," Seager said after playing six innings in his Cactus League debut. "It's been a really long time since I've been out there. That was the excitement part of it."Seager added a sacrifice fly in the fifth."I was happy for him. He looked really good in the batter's box," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "A positive night."A two-time All-Star and the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year, Seager played just 26 games a year ago before an elbow injury ended his season on April 29.He had Tommy John surgery in early May and arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in August. The Dodgers made their second straight trip to the World Series despite... [ More] |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 02:56 | Bryce Harper gets his 1st hit of spring training | Ronald Acuña | CF | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Nolan Arenado | 3B | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Avila | C | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Brandon Belt | 1B | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Archie Bradley | RP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Dylan Bundy | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Byron Buxton | CF | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Miguel Cabrera | 1B | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Carlos Carrasco | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Carlos Correa | SS | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | C.J. Cron | 1B | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Ian Desmond | 1B | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Duda | 1B | Royals | Free Agent |
| | | Kyle Farmer | C | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Dexter Fowler | RF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
| | | Ben Gamel | LF | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Reed Garrett | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Giolito | SP | White Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Cole Hamels | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Josh Harrison | 2B | Pirates | Free Agent |
| | | Teoscar Hernández | RF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Chris Iannetta | C | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | José Iglesias | SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Pablo López | SP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Jordan Luplow | LF | Pirates | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Machado | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Wade Miley | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Cedric Mullins | LF | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Daniel Murphy | 2B | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Wil Myers | RF | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Sean Newcomb | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Rougned Odor | 2B | Rangers | Free Agent |
| | | Joe Panik | 2B | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Kevin Pillar | CF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Piña | C | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Pineda | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | AJ Pollock | CF | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Drew Pomeranz | SP | Red Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Buster Posey | C | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Anthony Rizzo | 1B | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Tanner Roark | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Drew Robinson | CF | Rangers | Free Agent |
| | | Gary Sánchez | C | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Pablo Sandoval | 3B | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Ervin Santana | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Jonathan Schoop | 2B | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Corey Seager | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Luis Severino | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Shoemaker | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Tyler Skaggs | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Strahm | RP | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Thames | 1B | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Spencer Turnbull | SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Neil Walker | 2B | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Brandon Woodruff | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
Bryce Harper is on the board at spring training.The slugger lined a 97 mph fastball to center field in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against Detroit for his first hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after an 0-for-9 start.Harper jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.It was Harper's 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. Spencer Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.His final time up, Harper walked against Reed Garrett to lead off the seventh. Harper has struck out six times and drawn five walks."Took great swings on pitches that he just missed and fouled back," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said after the 3-1 loss to the Tigers."And one swing, a foul ball (down the third base side) that was a real near-miss. You could see with just a little bit better timing that ball is in the seats in left field. So, a lot to get excited about there with Bryce."Harper played seven innings in right field.Kapler plans to hit Harper third regularly during... [ More] |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 00:19 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 23:49 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 23:19 | Trout, Angels finalize record $432 million, 12-year deal | Zack Greinke | SP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Shohei Ohtani | SP/DH | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Albert Pujols | DH | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Rodriguez | | | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night announced their 12-year contract, a record deal that ties baseball's top player to the Orange County club for what likely will be the rest of his career.A person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal is worth $432 million, shattering baseball's previous high set when Bryce Harper and Philadelphia struck a $330 million, 13-year agreement earlier in spring training. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been finalized.The Angels will celebrate with a public appearance by Trout outside Angel Stadium on Sunday when the team returns from spring training for the first of three exhibitions against the Dodgers. Fans are invited to welcome home the two-time AL MVP, who already ranks among the most accomplished players of his generation."This is where I wanted to be all along," Trout said in a statement. "I have enjoyed my time as an Angel and... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 23:17 | Boston's Mookie Betts says he expects to become free agent | Nolan Arenado | 3B | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Mookie Betts | RF | Red Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Bregman | 3B | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Machado | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Don't expect AL MVP Mookie Betts to agree to a long-term contract with the Boston Red Sox before he can become a free agent in late 2020.Despite Mike Trout's $432 million, 12-year agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, Nolan Arenado's $260 million, eight-year deal with the Colorado Rockies and Alex Bregman's pending $100 million, six-year contract with the Houston Astros, Betts is content to remain on track for testing the market."That's exactly what I expect," he said Wednesday, the day after Trout's deal became widely known. "Didn't expect anything to happen until I'm a free agent. So, it's just one of those things where you just got to go out and play. Can't worry about the economics of the game right now. They have to take care of what they have to take care of. I'm going to take care of what I have to take care of. But the common thing is to win a World Series, and I think that's definitely what we both want to do."Manny Machado joined the San Diego Padres as... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:59 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:39 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | SS | Indians | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:37 | Trout, Angels finalize record $432 million, 12-year deal | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout and the Angels announced their 12-year contract, a record deal that ties baseball's top player to Los Angeles for what likely will be the rest of his career.A person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal is worth $432 million, shattering baseball's previous high set when Bryce Harper and Philadelphia struck a $330 million, 13-year agreement earlier in spring training. The person spoke on condition of anonymity the deal had not yet been finalized.Angels owner Arte Moreno says in a statement Wednesday he is thrilled Trout "has agreed to wear an Angels uniform for his entire career."Trout had been due $66.5 million over the next two seasons under his previous deal, a $144.5 million, six-year agreement.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 20:47 | AP source: White Sox near $43M, 6-year deal with Jimenez | Eloy Jiménez | RF | White Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Scott Kingery | 2B | Phillies | Free Agent |
| | | Jose Quintana | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox are nearing a $43 million, six-year contract with highly regarded outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal had not been agreed to. The contract would include team options for 2025 and 2026 that if exercised would make the agreement worth $77.5 million over eight years.Jimenez's deal would nearly double the previous high for a player with no major league service: Scott Kingery's $24 million, six-year contract with Philadelphia before 2018 season.Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on March 13. Ifthe 22-year-old is kept in the minor leagues for the first 20 days of the season, it would push back his free agent eligibility by one year until after the 2025 season.Jimenez was a key part of the trade that sent pitcher Jose Quintana to the crosstown Cubs during the 2017 season. Jimenez hit .337 with 22 homers and 75 RBIs at Double-A and Triple-A last season.___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 20:24 | Bryce Harper gets his 1st hit of spring training | Ronald Acuña | CF | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Avila | C | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Archie Bradley | RP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Byron Buxton | CF | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Miguel Cabrera | 1B | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Carlos Correa | SS | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | C.J. Cron | 1B | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Duda | 1B | Royals | Free Agent |
| | | Kyle Farmer | C | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Dexter Fowler | RF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
| | | Ben Gamel | LF | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Reed Garrett | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Giolito | SP | White Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Josh Harrison | 2B | Pirates | Free Agent |
| | | Teoscar Hernández | RF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | José Iglesias | SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Pablo López | SP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Machado | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Wade Miley | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Wil Myers | RF | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Sean Newcomb | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Kevin Pillar | CF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Piña | C | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Pineda | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Tanner Roark | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Drew Robinson | CF | Rangers | Free Agent |
| | | Gary Sánchez | C | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Ervin Santana | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Jonathan Schoop | 2B | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Luis Severino | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Shoemaker | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Strahm | RP | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Thames | 1B | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Spencer Turnbull | SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Neil Walker | 2B | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Brandon Woodruff | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
Bryce Harper got his first hit of spring training.Harper lined a 97-mph fastball to center in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against Detroit his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.Harper jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.It was Harper's 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. Spencer Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.In his final at-bat, Harper walked against Reed Garrett to lead off the seventh. Harper has struck out six times and drawn five walks."Took great swings on pitches that he just missed and fouled back," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said after the 3-1 loss to the Tigers."And one swing, a foul ball (down the third-base side) that was a real near-miss. You could see with just a little bit better timing that ball is in the seats in left field. So, a lot to get excited about there with Bryce."Harper played seven innings in right field.Kapler plans to hit Harper third regularly... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 19:47 | Rookie Lowe agrees to $24 million, 6-year contract with Rays | Brandon Lowe | 2B | Rays | Free Agent |
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Rookie Brandon Lowe, who made his big league debut last August, has agreed to a $24 million, six-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.Lowe's deal, announced Wednesday, includes club options for 2025 and 2026 with escalators based on MVP voting that could make the agreement worth $49 million over eight seasons.The 24-year-old infielder and outfielder has just 58 days of major league service.Lowe joins Evan Longoria, Matt Moore and Chris Archer as players with less than one year of major league service when they long-term deals with Tampa Bay.Lowe joined the Rays on Aug. 4 and appeared in 43 games. From Aug. 15 on, he hit .273 with six homers and 25 RBIs in 37 games.He gets $1 million this year, $1.5 million in 2020, $2.5 million in 2021, $4 million in 2022, $5.25 million in 2023 and $8.75 million in 2024. Tampa Bay has a $10.5 million option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout, and if that is exercised the Rays have an $11.5 million option for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout.His option salaries would escalate by $1 million for each top five finish in MVP voting in any earlier season, up to a $2 million maximum for each option.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.comMLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 18:59 | Ohtani: Mike Trout 'surely deserves' his big contract | Cody Allen | RP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Jaime Barría | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Torii Hunter | | | Free Agent |
| | | Shohei Ohtani | SP/DH | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Trout was back on the baseball field Wednesday, getting at-bats during an intrasquad minor league game against other Los Angeles Angels players. He finished his six plate appearances at Field 4 with a home run, signed some autographs, and chatted with former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter.Trout didn't speak to the media but Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani did, touting the two-time Most Valuable Player as being worthy of a new contract extension."I'm really happy and excited to play with such a great player for a long time," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "If anyone deserved such a big contract, it's Mike, and I think he surely deserves it."Trout, 27, and the Angels are close to finalizing a $432 million, 12-year contract. The deal was disclosed Tuesday by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The contract was likely to be announced by the end of the week, the person said.Ohtani first met Trout during... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 18:59 | Bryce Harper gets his 1st hit of spring training | Ronald Acuña | CF | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Byron Buxton | CF | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Miguel Cabrera | 1B | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Carlos Correa | SS | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | C.J. Cron | 1B | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Lucas Duda | 1B | Royals | Free Agent |
| | | Dexter Fowler | RF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
| | | Reed Garrett | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Josh Harrison | 2B | Pirates | Free Agent |
| | | Teoscar Hernández | RF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Pablo López | SP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Wade Miley | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Sean Newcomb | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Kevin Pillar | CF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Pineda | SP | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Drew Robinson | CF | Rangers | Free Agent |
| | | Gary Sánchez | C | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Jonathan Schoop | 2B | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Luis Severino | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Shoemaker | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Spencer Turnbull | SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Neil Walker | 2B | Yankees | Free Agent |
Bryce Harper got his first hit of spring training.Harper lined a 97-mph fastball to center in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against Detroit his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.Harper jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.It was Harper's 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. Spencer Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.In his final at-bat, Harper walked against Reed Garrett to lead off the seventh. Harper has struck out six times and drawn five walks."Took great swings on pitches that he just missed and fouled back," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said after the 3-1 loss to the Tigers."And one swing, a foul ball (down the third-base side) that was a real near-miss. You could see with just a little bit better timing that ball is in the seats in left field. So, a lot to get excited about there with Bryce."Harper played seven innings in right field.Kapler plans to hit Harper third regularly... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 18:41 | Braves may have 3 open spots in pitching rotation | Mike Foltynewicz | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Kevin Gausman | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Minter | RP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Sean Newcomb | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Soroka | RP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Julio Teheran | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Touki Toussaint | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — When they started spring training, the Atlanta Braves had one opening in their pitching rotation. With a week to go before opening day, they may have three.The Braves are holding out some hope that Kevin Gausman will work through his shoulder soreness in time to pitch a game in the first turn through their rotation.However, that appears unlikely. Gausman, who has pitched only two innings in games this spring, threw a 58-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday."You'd like to get him up to 90 before you'd pitch him in a major league game," said manager Brian Snitker.Mike Foltynewicz, who last pitched Feb. 24 before elbow soreness set in, is throwing again but will need a month buildup before starting a regular-season game.That leaves Julio Teheran and Sean Newcomb as the only named members of the rotation, with Teheran expected to start the Braves' opener at Philadelphia on March 28.Snitker doesn't expect to announce any additions in the next few days."We've got a week left... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 18:25 | Boston's Mookie Betts says he expects to become free agent | Nolan Arenado | 3B | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Mookie Betts | RF | Red Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Bregman | 3B | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Manny Machado | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF | Angels | Free Agent |
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Don't expect AL MVP Mookie Betts to agree to a long-term contract with the Boston Red Sox before he can become a free agent in late 2020.Despite Mike Trout's pending $432 million, 12-year agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, Nolan Arenado's $260 million, eight-year deal with the Colorado Rockies and Alex Bregman's pending $100 million, six-year contract with the Houston Astros, Betts is content to remain on track for testing the market."That's exactly what I expect," he said Wednesday, the day after Trout's deal became widely known. "Didn't expect anything to happen until I'm a free agent. So, it's just one of those things where you just got to go out and play. Can't worry about the economics of the game right now. They have to take care of what they have to take care of. I'm going to take care of what I have to take care of. But the common thing is to win a World Series, and I think that's definitely what we both want to do."Manny Machado joined the San Diego... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 17:07 | AP source: White Sox near $43M, 6-year deal with Jimenez | Eloy Jiménez | RF | White Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Scott Kingery | 2B | Phillies | Free Agent |
| | | Jose Quintana | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
CHICAGO (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Chicago White Sox are nearing a $43 million, six-year contract with highly regarded outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez.The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal had not been agreed to. The contract would include team options for 2025 and 2026 that if exercised would make the agreement worth $77.5 million over eight years.Jimenez's deal would nearly double the previous high for a player with no major league service: Scott Kingery's $24 million, six-year contract with Philadelphia before 2018 season.Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on March 13. If he the 22-year-old is kept in the minor leagues for the first 20 days of the season, it would push back his free agent eligibility by one year until after the 2025 season.Jimenez was a key part of the trade that sent pitcher Jose Quintana to the crosstown Cubs during the 2017 season. Jimenez hit .337 with 22 homers and 75 RBIs at Double-A and Triple-A last season.___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 17:03 | Outfielder Matt Joyce joins Giants on minor league contract | Steven Duggar | CF | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Joyce | LF | Athletics | Free Agent |
| | | Gerardo Parra | LF | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Mac Williamson | LF | Giants | Free Agent |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Outfielder Matt Joyce has reached agreement on a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants following his release by Cleveland.The Giants announced Wednesday the non-roster addition of Joyce, who is 34 and spent the past two seasons across the bay with Oakland. He played in just 83 games last season while dealing with a lingering back injury, batting .208 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs.The Indians signed Carlos Gonzalez to a minor league deal Tuesday, making Joyce expendable. He was released from his minor league contract, making him a free agent.Joyce, a left-handed hitter, had 25 homers and 68 RBIs while batting .243 in 141 games for the Athletics in 2017. He gives manager Bruce Bochy more depth for now in an outfield that is expected to feature Steven Duggar, Gerardo Parra and Mac Williamson. Cameron Maybin also joined the Giants on a minor league deal this spring.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 16:37 | Harper gets 1st hit after 0-for-9 start in spring training | Reed Garrett | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Rhys Hoskins | LF | Phillies | Free Agent |
| | | Spencer Turnbull | SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to center on a 2-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game. He jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.It was Harper's 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.In his final at-bat, Harper walked against Reed Garrett to lead off the seventh. Harper has struck out six times and drawn five walks."Took great swings on pitches that he just missed and fouled back," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said after the 3-1 loss to the Tigers. "And one swing, a foul ball (down the third-base side) that was a real near-miss. You could see with just a little bit better timing that ball is in the seats in left field. So, a lot to get excited about there with Bryce."Harper played seven innings in right field.Kapler... [ More] |