NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani likely will rejoin the Los Angeles Angel's rotation next week.The 23-year-old rookie, the first two-way player in the major leagues in decades, was on track to start Sunday at Yankee Stadium against countryman Masahiro Tanaka, but the Angels said Thursday that Ohtani will miss the turn as part of workload management."We will wait and see as we get direction from our medical staff and Billy Eppler on when Shohei will be folded back into the rotation," manager Mike Scioscia said Friday, referring to general manager Billy Eppler. "Then he'll throw a light bullpen, then he'll throw a heavier bullpen and then we'll get an idea of when he's ready. But I'm sure it's going to be this next week sometime."Ohtani last pitched Sunday against Tampa Bay, winning his second straight decision and giving up two runs and six hits in a season-high 7 2/3 innings. His 110 pitches were also a season high.Ohtani is 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA in seven starts and entered Friday batting .319 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 27 games as a designated hitter.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Orlando Arcia's offensive woes finally outweighed his defensive play at shortstop.The Milwaukee Brewers optioned Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves announced Friday before their game against the New York Mets.The slick-fielding Arcia was hitting .194. Considered one of the franchise's top young players, the 23-year-old Arcia struggled after hitting .277 with 15 homers in 2017.Veteran Tyler Saladino, acquired from the White Sox in mid-April and hitting .400 in 11 games since being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs is expected to get the bulk of time at shortstop."We know he's continued to do it on the defensive end, but he can do better on the offensive end," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said "And he's shown that to us. He's shown us a lot better. This is an attempt to try to get back to that."General manager David Stearns said he expects Arcia to get on track and rejoin... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Ben Zobrist says he's awaiting a resolution after being warned a few weeks ago by Major League Baseball for wearing black cleats in violation of the sport's uniform regulations.The Chicago Cubs infielder says baseball needs a "consensus from the teams" and players have to come to one. He says he expects an agreement in a few weeks, but warned players have some "freedom" for now.Zobrist has worn black cleats for days games at Wrigley Field to honor the game's past. He posted a letter from the league on Instagram two weeks ago citing him for violating regulations requiring at least 51 percent of the exterior of a player's shoes be the club's designated primary shoe color — blue for the Cubs.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Mariners made the first big deal of the season acquiring outfielder Denard Span and right-handed reliever Alex Colome from the Tampa Bay Rays for two minor leaguers.Seattle sent minor league right-handers Andrew Moore and Tommy Romero to Tampa Bay in the deal made Friday.Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto is trying to take advantage of the Mariners' strong start by adding help in the bullpen and depth in the outfield. Colome may be the most important acquisition. He was an All-Star in 2016 with the Rays and had 47 saves last year. He's an immediate boost to a bullpen that's been relied on heavily early in the season.Span has played both center field and left field in his career. He was hitting .238 in 48 games with the Rays, but his ability to play multiple spots in the outfield is the big benefit to Seattle after Dee Gordon's move to second base due to Robinson Cano's suspension.The Rays also sent for minor league right-hander Peter Bayer to Oakland for right-hander Wilmer Font. Oakland acquired Font from the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 25, and designated him for assignment Wednesday.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera made one thing clear when he went on the disabled list May 4 with a right hamstring strain: He plans to return on his timetable.Cabrera, who told reporters May 15 that fans don't appreciate when he tries to play hurt, could return to the lineup in the coming days.He took batting practice and ran in the outfield before Friday's home game against the Chicago White Sox. The Tigers are beginning a stretch of 12 games in 11 days at Comerica Park.After running Friday, Cabrera said he felt "good" and expects to return "soon."Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire, who defended his star slugger after Cabrera's testy comments, is looking forward to having him back."I haven't put a timetable on it," Gardenhire said before Friday's game. "He's feeling better. (It) could be today. The trainers are doing their treatment, he's getting stretched and he's hitting."Although Cabrera shook his head "no" when asked if he would play in Friday's game — he was not in the starting lineup — Gardenhire said it's not unrealistic that Cabrera could be back during the home stand, possibly this weekend."He's pretty much going to tell us when he thinks he's ready to go," Gardenhire said. "I can't tell you what his body's feeling, and neither can the trainer. It's going to be up to him to tell us when he's ready to go."The Tigers entered Friday's game 21-28, 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Cleveland Indians in the American League Central Division.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Reliever George Kontos has been designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates to clear a roster spot for right-hander Joe Musgrove from the disabled list.Kontos was removed from his role as the primary setup man for closer Felipe Vazquez last week. In 21 games, Kontos was 2-3 with one save and a 5.03 ERA.Kontos says he has a "lot left to give" and hopes "someone out there needs a pitcher who has experience and has had success."The 32-year-old spent his first seven seasons with San Francisco and was on their World Series-winning teams in 2012 and 2014. He was claimed off waivers by the Pirates last Aug. 5. He has made 343 career appearances with an 18-18 record, two saves and a 3.11 ERA.Musgrove was set to make his Pirates' debut Friday night with a start against St. Louis. He was acquired from Houston as part of a package for Gerrit Cole in January. Musgrove had been on the DL all season with a shoulder strain.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has extended the administrative leave of Toronto closer Roberto Osuna through June 4, the third time the initial seven-day period was lengthened.Osuna was put on administrative leave by MLB on May 8, and MLB earlier this week extended the leave through May 28. The latest extension was announced Friday.The pitcher was charged with one count of assault, according to Toronto Police Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu. Osuna, who is from Mexico, is scheduled to appear in court June 18.Osuna remains on the restricted list and continues to receive his $5.3 million salary but is ineligible to play. Administrative leave is not considered discipline.Commissioner Rob Manfred has the option of suspending Osuna either without pay or with pay pending the resolution of legal proceedings — a penalty that later could be converted to without pay. Osuna could challenge any discipline before arbitrator Mark Irvings.The 23-year-old Osuna is 0-0 with nine saves and a 2.93 ERA in 15 games this season. The righty was an All-Star last year, when he went 3-4 with 39 saves and a 3.38 ERA.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees plan to activate first baseman Greg Bird from the disabled list before Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels, forcing New York to make a difficult roster decision.Bird had right ankle surgery on March 27 and is 8 for 39 (.205) with three homers and eight RBIs over 12 games in a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment.New York was back to carrying 13 pitchers, its preferred total, after activating right-hander Tommy Kahnle from the DL before Friday's series opener.Tyler Austin could be sent to the minors to make room for Bird. Austin is hitting .238 with eight homers and 23 RBIs and has out-produced Neil Walker (.220, two homers, 14 RBIs), but Austin has minor league options.Manager Aaron Boone says "a lot of times those are difficult conversations that are the reality and the nature sometimes of this business. And when you are a part of a really good team with a deep roster, those decisions can be even tougher and those conversations can be ever harder."___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

BOSTON (AP) — Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 remaining on his contract but avoided him triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.Boston made the move Friday to clear a roster spot for All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list and was set to make his season debut against Atlanta after recovering from knee surgery."It was a bit of a stunner," Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "Glad we don't have to see him, because he's gotten some big hits already against us this year."The 34-year-old Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. He hit .163 with three homers and 12 RBIs in May after starting the season with a .330 average, three homers and 17 RBIs.Ramirez signed an $88 million, four-year contract with the Red Sox as a free agent before the 2015 season, and Boston is responsible for the $15,258,065... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The idea of Manny Machado joining Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo in a powerhouse lineup sure is a tantalizing one.Whether that happens or not, the Chicago Cubs are banking on the players they have to perform up to expectations. So far, that hasn't happened. And if fans are frustrated, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein understands."I think we should have high expectations," he said Friday. "I think this group has earned a tremendous amount of trust. It's OK to be really frustrated with our inability to really get locked in and get hot and play up to our talent and our expectations, while at the same time being really optimistic that this group really figures it out."Epstein insisted his team has not engaged in trade talks, despite speculation about a potential deal with Baltimore for Machado.He wouldn't comment on reports that the Cubs could be a landing spot for the slick-fielding slugger. He said there are "zero trade talks" at the moment and Chicago has enough... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned slumping shortstop Orlando Arcia to Triple-A Colorado Springs and acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the New York Yankees as part of a series of moves.The Brewers will send a player to be named or cash to the Yankees for Kratz, who was hitting .269 with four homers in Triple-A. Kratz will back up starter Manny Pina after Jett Bandy was designated for assignment.The moves were announced before Friday's game against the New York Mets.The slick-fielding Arcia was hitting .194. Considered one of the franchise's top young players, the 23-year-old Arcia was having trouble at the plate after hitting .277 with 15 homers in 2017.Eric Sogard was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. He figures to share time at shortstop with the recently acquired Tyler Saladino, who is hitting .400 in 11 games.The Brewers also optioned right-handed reliever Jorge Lopez to Triple-A and recalled righty Adrian Houser from Double-A Biloxi.

BOSTON (AP) — Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, who are responsible for the $15.25 remaining on his contract but avoided him triggering a $22 million salary for 2019.Boston made the move Friday to clear a roster spot for All-Star shortstop Dustin Pedroia, who was activated from the disabled list and was set to make his season debut against Atlanta after recovering from knee surgery.The 34-year-old Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. He hit .163 with three homers and 12 RBIs in May after starting the season with a .330 average, three homers and 17 RBIs.Ramirez signed an $88 million, four-year contract with the Red Sox as a free agent before the 2015 season, and Boston is responsible for the $15,258,065 still owed for this season. The deal contains a $22 million option that would become guaranteed if he has 1,050 plate appearances in 2017-18 combined... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants have activated outfielder Mac Williamson from the 10-day disabled list and sent left-hander Josh Osich to Triple-A Sacramento.Williamson started in left field against the Chicago Cubs on Friday after being sidelined since April 24 because of a concussion. He was hurt when he stumbled on a bullpen mound and crashed into the left-field wall chasing a fly ball during a home game.Williamson was batting .316 batting with three home runs and six RBIs in five games.Osich has an 8.25 ERA in 12 relief appearances.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein insists his team has not engaged in trade talks, despite speculation about a potential deal for Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado.Epstein wouldn't comment on reports that the Cubs could be a landing spot for the slick-fielding slugger. He says there are "zero trade talks" at the moment. He also says the Cubs have enough to win the World Series for the second time in three years.The Manny Watch intensified in Chicago this week when the Orioles visited the White Sox. The three-time All-Star has an expiring contract and could be dealt this season.The Cubs have struggled to hit their stride with a 25-21 record entering Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment on Friday to make room for Dustin Pedroia on the 25-man roster as he returns from the disabled list.The 34-year-old Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. Ramirez had been with the Red Sox since 2015 after signing a four-year, $88 million contract as a free agent.During his four seasons with the Red Sox, Ramirez batted .260 with 78 homers and 255 RBIs. By designating Ramirez for assignment, the Red Sox clear the way for Pedroia to make his 2018 debut. The 34-year-old Pedroia has spent all season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left knee in October.Pedroia, a four-time All-Star, had been Boston's opening day second baseman every year from 2007-17. He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and Most Valuable Player in 2008.Both of Boston's big free-agent signings ahead of the 2015 season have been designated for assignment. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval was let go last July. Sandoval's deal was $94 million over four years.The Red Sox begin a three-game home series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment on Friday to make room for Dustin Pedroia on the 25-man roster as he returns from the disabled list.The 34-year-old Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. Ramirez had been with the Red Sox since 2015 after signing a four-year, $88 million contract as a free agent.During his four seasons with the Red Sox, Ramirez batted .260 with 78 homers and 255 RBIs. By designating Ramirez for assignment, the Red Sox clear the way for Pedroia to make his 2018 debut. The 34-year-old Pedroia has spent all season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left knee in October.Pedroia, a four-time All-Star, had been Boston's opening day second baseman every year from 2007-17. He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and Most Valuable Player in 2008.The Red Sox begin a three-game home series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Kris Bryant, they're all the face of Major League Baseball.How about Herb Markwort? Haven't heard of him? He's the person helping protect those faces.Tune into any game these days and you're bound to see hitters wearing helmets with a seven-inch piece of plastic — the C-Flap — curving around their cheek and jaw.Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Correa, Miguel Cabrera and Yadier Molina are among the many converts, with more and more batters making the switch each month."I think there's a lot of first-time guys this year. Me, Trout, Cabrera," Harper said. "You can go on and on. A bunch of guys."Most, like longtime star Hanley Ramirez, offer the obvious reason: "Safety, that's it," he said.Makes sense, too. For a while, hit by pitch rates this season were the highest they'd been since the early 1900s."Just to be, maybe, a little bit more comfortable in the box," Harper said. "Guys are throwing a little bit harder and you see guys getting hit in the head a little bit more.... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have designated Hanley Ramirez for assignment to make room for Dustin Pedroia on the 25-man roster as he returns from the disabled list.Ramirez was hitting .254 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 44 games this season while splitting his time between first base and designated hitter. Ramirez had been with the Red Sox since 2015 after signing a four-year, $88 million contract as a free agent.By designating the 34-year-old Ramirez for assignment, the Red Sox clear the way for Pedroia to make his 2018 debut. The 34-year-old Pedroia has spent all season on the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left knee in October.Pedroia, a four-time All-Star, had been Boston's opening day second baseman every year from 2007-17.

PLAYERS TO PICK UPJack Flaherty, SP, St. Louis (54 percent owned in Yahoo) - Thirteen strikeouts. One walk. One earned run. Those were the numbers from Flaherty's last outing. How is he owned in just over half of leagues? If Flaherty is available in your league, you need to open a new tab, add him and then return here to read the rest of this column. With an outstanding slider, Flaherty is dominating hitters each outing. He's given up a total of six earned runs in 23 1/3 innings this year. Despite the too-many-guys-but-not-enough-spots problem the Cardinals' rotation has right now, Captain Jack's spot is safe.Tyler O'Neill, OF, St. Louis (41 percent) - Speaking of young Cardinals making a difference, O'Neill had a stretch of three home runs in three games earlier this week. Dexter Fowler is lost at the plate, and Marcel Ozuna is failing to replicate his success from a season ago. As long as O'Neill hits, Mike Matheny will find room for him in the Cardinals' lineup. There's a lot of Aaron... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:WELCOME BACKStar second baseman Dustin Pedroia is set to be activated by the Red Sox after missing Boston's first 50 games while recovering from knee surgery. Manager Alex Cora says Pedroia will come off the disabled list for a weekend series at Fenway Park against Atlanta and will start one of the first two games.Pedroia's return to the AL East leaders will come exactly seven months after cartilage-restoration surgery on his left knee. The 34-year-old former AL MVP went 1 for 14 in a five-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket.SKIDDINGThe Diamondbacks have lost seven in a row and 13 of 14, scoring a total of just 26 runs in that span and dropping out of the NL West lead. Slugger Paul Goldschmidt, an All-Star in each of the last five seasons, is batting .200 and has only four RBIs in his last 34 games. Arizona hopes for better results all around when Patrick Corbin (4-1, 2.60 ERA) starts a weekend series at Oakland.FAST STARTPittsburgh... [More]