Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond plans to sit out this season to be with his family and help grow youth baseball in his hometown in Florida.The 34-year-old Desmond wrote Monday night on Instagram that the “COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking.” But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” Desmond wrote on Instagram. “Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.”Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8 million next... [More]

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond plans to sit out this season to be with his family and help grow youth baseball in his hometown in Florida.The 34-year-old Desmond wrote Monday night on Instagram that the “COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking.” But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” Desmond wrote on Instagram. “Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.”Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8 million next... [More]

Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond plans to sit out this season to be with his family and help the youth baseball program in his hometown in Florida.The 34-year-old Desmond wrote on Instagram that the “COVID-19 pandemic has made this baseball season one that is a risk I am not comfortable taking.” But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” Desmond wrote on Instagram. “Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.”Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8 million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, have announced they plan to sit out this season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crisis, roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he still was deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.The 35-year-old Zimmerman, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said he still is deciding on his future beyond this season. The two-time All-Star and 2009 Gold Glove winner has 270 career homers.Desmond cited his family as one... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — No. 3 overall draft pick Max Meyer, a right-hander from the University of Minnesota, has agreed to terms with the Marlins and is expected to be added to the 60-man player pool this week. Meyer has chance to pitch in the majors this year.Right-handed reliever Nick Vincent, an eight-year veteran who pitched for the Giants and Phillies last year, also agreed to terms with the Marlins and will join the 60-man pool.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — When baseball comes back next month, Yoenis Céspedes might finally be ready to return, too.Sidelined for nearly two years by injuries and then the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Mets slugger could be healthy enough at last to play on opening day in late July — especially with the designated hitter available in the National League this season.“We’ll have to evaluate how the next few days go, but we’re optimistic,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday. “His bat can be a real impact and be a little bit of a separator for us as we compare ourselves to the rest of the teams in the league.”The 34-year-old Céspedes hasn’t played since July 20, 2018 — his only major league game after May 13 that year. The two-time All-Star had surgery on both heels and then broke his right ankle in a nasty spill on his Florida ranch in a reported run-in with a wild boar.Van Wagenen mentioned that Céspedes is a five-tool athlete and won’t necessarily be limited to DH duty if healthy.... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — No. 3 overall draft pick Max Meyer, a right-hander from the University of Minnesota, has agreed to terms with the Marlins and is expected to be added to the 60-man roster this week. Meyer has chance to pitch in the majors this year.Right-handed reliever Nick Vincent, an eight-year veteran who pitched for the Giants and Phillies last year, also agreed to terms with the Marlins and will join the 60-man roster.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — When baseball comes back next month, Yoenis Céspedes might finally be ready to return, too.Sidelined for nearly two years by injuries and then the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Mets slugger could be healthy enough at last to play on opening day in late July — especially with the designated hitter available in the National League this season.“We’ll have to evaluate how the next few days go, but we’re optimistic,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday. “His bat can be a real impact and be a little bit of a separator for us as we compare ourselves to the rest of the teams in the league.”The 34-year-old Céspedes hasn’t played since July 20, 2018 — his only major league game after May 13 that year. The two-time All-Star had surgery on both heels and then broke his right ankle in a nasty spill on his Florida ranch in a reported run-in with a wild boar.Van Wagenen mentioned that Céspedes is a five-tool athlete and won’t necessarily be limited to DH duty if healthy.... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake is one of the first players to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus.Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen announced Leake's decision Monday, shortly before Washington teammates Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross opted out of the virus-shortened season.“During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement Monday. “They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondback teammates this season and he’s looking forward to 2021.”Hazen also said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake, have announced they won’t be playing during Major League Baseball's 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises, roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he still was deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.The 35-year-old, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said he still is deciding on his future beyond this season. The two-time All-Star and 2009 Gold Glove winner has 270 career homers.The Twins... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake, have announced they won’t be playing during Major League Baseball's upcoming 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises, it's clear that roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he was still deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.The 35-year-old, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said this does not mean he’s retiring. He’s still deciding on his future beyond this season. The two-time All-Star... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. A trio of players, including Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman, have announced they won't be playing in the upcoming 60-game season.As Major League Baseball lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises, it's clear that roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.The Twins confirmed Monday that bullpen coach Bob McClure and major league coach Bill Evers won't be in the clubhouse at the start of this season because of health concerns. Both coaches are in their 60s and will stay with the organization to help in altered roles.Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he's known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed.“I think we all know that we're making the right decision, but that... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake is one of the first players to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus.Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen announced Leake's decision Monday, shortly before Washington teammates Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross opted out of the virus-shortened season.“During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement Monday. “They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondback teammates this season and he’s looking forward to 2021.”Hazen also said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being... [More]

The Washington Nationals will try to defend their World Series title without at least two holdovers from last year's team, including one of the faces of the franchise.Longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross elected not to play this season, the team announced Monday. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball is attempting to start a 60-game season in late July.General manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman and Ross are opting out for the safety of themselves and their families.“We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Rizzo said. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”Zimmerman was due $740,741 and Ross $555,556 as prorated portions of their salaries, originally $2 million for the first baseman and $1.5 million for the pitcher. Only players deemed high risk are paid if they opt out.Zimmerman, who said last week he was undecided, ultimately said his family situation factored into not playing. His mother... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. A trio of players, including Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman, have announced they won't be playing in the upcoming 60-game season.As Major League Baseball lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises, it's clear that roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.The Twins confirmed Monday that bullpen coach Bob McClure and major league coach Bill Evers won't be in the clubhouse at the start of this season because of health concerns. Both coaches are in their 60s and will stay with the organization to help in altered roles.Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he's known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed.“I think we all know that we're making the right decision, but that... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake has become the first known player to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus.“During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement Monday. “They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondback teammates this season and he’s looking forward to 2021.”Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen also said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in a 2019 deadline deal. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA with Arizona and earned... [More]

The Washington Nationals will try to defend their World Series title without at least two holdovers from last year's team, including one of the faces of the franchise.Longtime infielder Ryan Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross elected not to play this season, the team announced Monday. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball is attempting to start a 60-game season in late July.General manager Mike Rizzo said Zimmerman and Ross are opting out for the safety of themselves and their families.“We are 100 percent supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Rizzo said. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”Zimmerman, who said last week he was undecided, ultimately said his family situation factored into not playing. His mother is at high risk for complications from the coronavirus. He also has three young children, including a newborn.“Everyone knows how much it means to me to be part of a team and I will miss that camaraderie dearly... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake has become the first known player to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus.“During this global pandemic, Mike and his family had many discussions about playing this season,” Leake’s agent, Danny Horwits, said in a statement Monday. “They took countless factors into consideration, many of which are personal to him and his family. After thorough consideration, he has chosen to opt out of playing in 2020. This was not an easy decision for Mike. He wishes the best of luck and health for his Diamondback teammates this season and he’s looking forward to 2021.”Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen also said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in a 2019 deadline deal. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA with Arizona and earned... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Mike Leake has opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus.Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen did not elaborate on Leake's decision during a Zoom call Monday but the pitcher's agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic.Hazen also said two players on Arizona's 60-man roster tested positive for COVID-19, as did another player not in Arizona.The 32-year-old Leake started 10 games for Arizona after being traded from Seattle for outfielder Jose Caballero and cash in 2019. Leake went 3-3 with a 4.35 ERA and was expected to be in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation during the 60-game 2020 season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

June 301908 — At 41 years, 3 months, Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox pitched the third no-hitter of his career, an 8-0 win over the New York Highlanders.1948 — Cleveland’s Bob Lemon pitched a 2-0 no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers for the first American League no-hitter at night.1962 — Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers struck out 13 New York Mets en route to the first of four career no-hitters, a 5-0 victory at Dodger Stadium.1970 — Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was dedicated, but Henry Aaron spoiled the show for the crowd of 51,050 with a first-inning homer off Jim McGlothlin as Atlanta beat the Reds 8-2.1978 — Willie McCovey became the 12th player in major league history to hit 500 home runs. His milestone shot off Atlanta’s Jamie Easterly wasn’t enough, as the Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 10-5 in the second game of a doubleheader at Fulton County Stadium.1995 — Eddie Murray of the Cleveland Indians became the second switch-hitter and the 20th player in baseball history... [More]