OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics landed a new starting catcher, finalizing a $6.5 million, one-year contract with free agent Jonathan Lucroy.The team announced the deal Monday and Lucroy was in spring camp at Mesa, Arizona. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star batted .265 with six home runs and 40 RBIs in 123 games last season for Texas and Colorado, which acquired him on July 30.Bruce Maxwell, the first major leaguer to kneel for the national anthem last year following NFL players' leads, had been the projected starter before the acquisition of Lucroy.Oakland designated left-hander Jairo Labourt for assignment to create roster space for Lucroy.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Tommy Hunter's biggest pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies came before he even took the mound for his new team.Since he signed a two-year deal in December, the reliever has been pushing Jake Arrieta to follow him to Philadelphia. Mission accomplished.Arrieta and the Phillies agreed Sunday to a $75 million, three-year contract, a deal that could be worth up to $135 million over five seasons, three people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical."I've been on the phone with him this whole entire offseason to see if it can work out," Hunter said Monday. "I was coming hard. It's not up to you as a player or a friend. Ultimately it's up to the people in charge to get this done and they did it."Hunter and Arrieta have been friends since their college days. They spent four years together in Baltimore and have remained close. Hunter said their wives have been texting each... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have picked right-hander Chase Anderson to start on opening day on March 29 at San Diego.The 30-year-old Anderson had the best season of his four-year career in 2017, going 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts. He will be making his first career opening day start when he takes the mound in San Diego.Anderson will be the fifth different opening day starter for the Brewers in the last five seasons. Junior Guerra got the honor last year, and he was preceded by Wily Peralta, Kyle Lohse and Yovani Gallardo.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Expectations are already high for prized youngster Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox. And as he prepares for his first full season in the major leagues, he could find himself in an important role on opening day.The 22-year-old from Cuba has spent this month as the leadoff hitter for the rebuilding White Sox after he began spring training batting fifth, sixth and seventh. Moncada welcomes being in the top spot, and the White Sox hope to take advantage of his speed and potential to reach base on a consistent basis."I like being the first batter. I can show more of my skills. Getting on base, I'll see more pitches, and that's what I prefer," Moncada said, speaking in Spanish.Moncada showed flashes of speed and power in 54 games after being called up from the minors last season. The .231 batting average and 74 strikeouts in 231 plate appearances are things he is working on improving. But being a switch-hitter able to set the table for the big bats of Jose Abreu and... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Free-agent infielder Neil Walker and the New York Yankees are close to a one-year contract worth about $5 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because any agreement is subject to a successful physical.Walker likely would start at second base and Brandon Drury, acquired from Arizona last month, would play third. That would mean touted prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar probably would start the season in the minor leagues.Walker is among the victims of a historically slow free agent market and will take a huge cut from the $17.2 million he earned last season, when he accepted a qualifying offer from the New York Mets. The 32-year-old hit .265 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs last year for the Mets and Milwaukee, who acquired him Aug. 12.An agreement with Walker at that price would raise the Yankees' projected luxury tax payroll to approximately $182 million, about $15 million below the luxury tax threshold.He had been working out at the camp for free agents in Bradenton, Florida, organized by the players' association.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says free-agent infielder Neil Walker and the New York Yankees are close to a one-year contract worth about $5 million.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because an agreement would be subject to a successful physical.Walker likely would start at second base and Brandon Drury, acquired from Arizona last month, would play third. That would mean touted prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar probably would start the season in the minor leagues.Walker is among the victims of a historically slow free agent market and will take a huge cut from the $17.2 million he earned last season, when he accepted a qualifying offer from the New York Mets. He hit .265 with 14 homers and 49 RBIs for the Mets and Milwaukee, who acquired him Aug. 12.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies made their boldest move yet.Free-agent ace Jake Arrieta and the Phillies have agreed to a $75 million, three-year contract, a deal that could be worth up to $135 million over five seasons, three people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical.Arrieta gets $30 million this year, $25 million in 2019 and $20 million in 2020. Arrieta has the right to terminate the deal after the 2019 season and become a free agent again, but the Phillies can void that right if they exercise club options for 2021 and 2022 at $20 million annually.The price of both options can increase by up to $5 million based on starts in both 2018 and 2019: $1 million for 25 each year, and $500,000 each for 27, 29 and 31.The option prices would increase to $28 million if he is among the top five in Cy Young Award voting in 2018 or 2019, and to $30 million if he is among the top... [More]

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could... [More]

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could... [More]

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies made their boldest move yet.Two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press that free-agent ace Jake Arrieta and the Phillies have agreed to a three-year deal.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the contract is pending a physical. The deal is reportedly worth $75 million. NBC Sports Philadelphia first reported the agreement.The 32-year-old righty was among several top free agents who didn't get a deal for six or seven years in a changing offseason market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. He was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.Arrieta was 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in five seasons in Chicago after starting his career in Baltimore. He'll join Aaron Nola atop the Phillies' rotation on a team that finished last in the NL East.The... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — The question whether or not Jacob deGrom will be the New York Mets' starting pitcher on opening day wasn't resolved on Sunday. But if he isn't, it likely won't be because of his stuff.Making his spring debut after being sidelined with back stiffness and leaving camp for his daughter's birth, deGrom overpowered the Houston Astros at times in his two-plus innings of work. He struck out the side in the top of the first, and hit 98 mph during his 47-pitch outing.Overall, he allowed two runs on two hits and one walk in 2 2/3 innings, fanning four in a 5-2 loss.DeGrom worked two innings Tuesday in a simulated game. The right-hander said facing opposing hitters other than his teammates or prospects resulted in a rush that had him ramping up his fastball."You go face your own hitters and live BP and sim games, whatever, you want to get them out. But when you go face another team and you're actually in a game game, then it's definitely different," deGrom said.DeGrom fanned... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Two people familiar with the deal tell The Associated Press that free agent ace Jake Arrieta and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a three-year deal.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the contract is pending a physical. The deal is reportedly worth $75 million.NBC Sports Philadelphia first reported the agreement.The 32-year-old righty was among several top free agents who didn't get a deal for six or seven years in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. He was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA in 30 starts last year.Arrieta was 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in five seasons in Chicago. He'll join Aaron Nola atop the Phillies' rotation on a team that finished last in the NL East.The Phillies haven't had a winning season since 2011, but now have added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could show considerable improvement over last season's 66-96 mark.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony DeSclafani has a strained left oblique, the third year in a row that the Cincinnati Reds starter has been hurt during spring training.Manager Bryan Price said DeScalfani felt discomfort during his last spring appearance and an exam found the problem. It's unclear how long he might be sidelined. The Reds open the season in a little over two weeks."I say that with nothing but frustration for Anthony and our club," Price said Sunday. "I feel bad for the kid. He worked his tail off to get ready. He did everything we asked of him and more."DeSclafani also suffered a strained left oblique before the 2016 season and was sidelined until June. The right-hander finished that season with a 9-5 record with a 3.28 ERA. He missed all of last season with a sprained elbow.The Reds were counting on him, Homer Bailey and left-hander Brandon Finnegan to recover from injuries and anchor a rotation that struggled without them last year. Instead, they're heading toward opening... [More]

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Reliever Joe Biagini is being stretched out at spring training to provide rotation depth for the Toronto Blue Jays.One bad start is not a concern to Blue Jays manager John Gibbons.Biagini lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing all five runs scored by Pittsburgh in the Pirates' 5-0 win over Toronto on Sunday. The right-hander walked two, struck out two, and gave up four hits, including consecutive homers to Adam Frazier and Gregory Polanco that ended his day."He had trouble locating the ball," Gibbons said. "He's being throwing pretty good this spring. It was just one of those days, spiking a lot of balls. I don't want to overanalyze it. He was off today."Biagini was touched for four earned runs over 8 1/3 innings in three previous starts,His starting work during the exhibition season has taken on added significance with Toronto ace Marcus Stroman slowed by inflammation in his right shoulder.The Blue Jays haven't ruled out Stroman being back to pitch during the first time... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Miami second baseman Starlin Castro says he's over the initial shock and disappointment he felt upon learning in December that he'd been traded from the contending New York Yankees to the rebuilding Marlins."It's kind of tough because I'd been there two years," Castro said. "We had a good team over there. We made the playoffs last year. When they made the trade, I felt a little upset."At a price tag of $10.86 million for 2018, he is the second-highest paid Marlins player and still could be traded at any point to further cut costs. Whether that happens or not, he's set to play for Miami."I feel good now," said Castro, a couple of hours before his new team faced his old squad for the first time this spring.The 27-year old is keeping his Yankees ties alive.Some Yankees elected to make the drive across the state from Tampa on Saturday night. Castro took Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres and Estevan Florial to dinner."I feel really happy to see those guys and... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dallas Keuchel's new suit arrived not a moment too soon.Now the ace pitcher has the proper attire to wear when visiting the most famous residence in the country.Keuchel and his World Series champion Houston teammates will leave their spring training home Monday morning to visit the White House."I'm looking forward to it," Keuchel said. "I got a new suit. Also gained some pounds, so my old suits didn't fit."It's customary for the president of the United States to invite champions from many sports to visit the White House. Houston is taking advantage of an off-day in its Grapefruit League schedule to accept the invitation from President Donald Trump.The tentative schedule has the Astros leaving West Palm Beach early in the morning, arriving at the White House around noon and returning to South Florida later that evening."If you're going to spend an off-day doing something, other than relaxing, I think the White House is a pretty good gig," Keuchel said.Keuchel... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have unconditionally released right-hander Anibal Sanchez after a three-week stint with the club.The move was made Sunday, clearing a space on the 40-man roster. The Twins, according to multiple reports Saturday, agreed to terms on a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn to further upgrade their rotation. The team has not confirmed the reported deal with the Lynn, who went 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA in 33 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals last season.Sanchez signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Twins in attempt to revitalize his career after struggling through the last three years with the Detroit Tigers. He gave up six runs on five hits in four innings over two Grapefruit League exhibition game appearances for the Twins.___For more AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

On the day the Kansas City Royals welcomed back Mike Moustakas, they found out Jorge Bonifacio will miss half the season.Bonifacio was suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball on Saturday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.The outfielder was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin on opening day."It really kind of made me sick to my stomach," Royals manager Ned Yost said.The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 113 games.Bonifacio's suspension cleared a roster spot for Moustakas, who re-signed with the Royals this week after becoming a free agent last fall.Moustakas set a Royals record with 38 home runs last season, then rejected a $17.4 million offer from the team. But the third baseman never received the multiyear, mega-million dollar contract he and his agent Scott Boras anticipated.The Royals signed Moustakas to a one-year $6.5 million contract with a mutual option... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.The commissioner's office made the announcement Saturday.Bonifacio was banned after a positive test for Boldenone. The ban will begin on opening day."It really kind of made me sick to my stomach," Royals manager Ned Yost said.The 24-year-old Bonifacio made his major league debut last season, hitting .255 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 113 games."He is an incredible person who just made a mistake," general manager Dayton Moore said in a statement. "Jorge will have our full support as he deals with the consequences of this violation."Kansas City was reshuffling its outfield this spring after Lorenzo Cain left as a free agent, and Bonifacio was competing for playing time in the field and at designated hitter.The Royals recently signed free agent outfielder Jon Jay. Paulo Orlando and several others are also trying to earn time.Bonifacio's suspension cleared a roster spot for third baseman Mike Moustakas, who re-signed with the Royals this week after becoming a free agent last fall.Bonifacio is the fourth player suspended this year under the major league drug program. Houston pitcher Dean Deetz, Washington catcher Raudy Read and Pittsburgh pitcher Nik Turley previously were penalized.