.ATLANTA (AP) — Kung Fu Panda has made the opening day roster for the Atlanta Braves. The team made a flurry of moves Saturday to complete its 26-man roster, which included selecting the contract of nonroster infielder Pablo Sandoval. The 34-year-old Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and 2012 World Series MVP looking to revive his career in a bench role with the Braves. The portly switch-hitter earned his spot with a strong spring, hitting .429 with four RBIs in 35 at-bats. The Braves, who open the season Thursday at Philadelphia, also selected the contracts of two other nonroster players: infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones. Infielder Jason Kipnis, a two-tine All-Star trying to make the Braves as a non-roster invitee, was released. In addition, the team outrighted outfielder Abraham Almonte to the alternate training site, designated outfielder Phillip Ervin for assignment and placed pitcher Touki Toussaint on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. Sandoval, whose... [More]

The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Bryse Wilson to their alternate training site on Friday for what is expected to be a brief stay. Wilson is expected to be recalled about two weeks into the season. Manager Brian Snitker said Friday the team won't use a fifth starter for its first pass through the rotation. Instead, the plan is to use a combination of relievers for the team's fifth game before the fifth spot in the rotation is needed again on April 13. Wilson will be eligible to be recalled on April 11. Wilson was 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in four games, including three starts, this spring training. He beat out Kyle Wright, who was optioned to the alternate training site on Wednesday, for the No. 5 job. Wright had a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings this spring. On Thursday, Snitker announced Max Fried the team's starter for next Thursday’s opener at Philadelphia. Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson and Drew Smyly will join Fried in the rotation until Mike Soroka is ready to pitch, perhaps by the end of April. Soroka, who was the 2020 opening day starter, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried will make his first opening day start for the Atlanta Braves, getting the nod in the wake of two stellar seasons. Manager Brian Snitker told Fried on Thursday that he would go in the opener at Philadelphia against the Phillies. Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season, finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting. He established himself as the Atlanta ace after Mike Soroka went down with a torn Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old left-hander had his breakout in 2019, posting a 17-6 record after moving into the rotation early in the season. “It's been really neat to be with Max through this whole run, to watch him mature and become the pitcher that he is," Snitker said. With Soroka — the 2020 opening day starter — still rehabbing from his injury, Fried was the logical choice to get the nod in next Thursday's opener against Aaron Nola of the Phillies. Still, it was a thrill for Fried to get the word officially. “I was excited,” he said. “It's something you dream... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Max Fried will make his first opening day start for the Atlanta Braves, getting the nod in the wake of two stellar seasons. Manager Brian Snitker told Fried on Thursday that he would go in the opener at Philadelphia against the Phillies. Fried went 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season, finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting. He established himself as the Atlanta ace after Mike Soroka went down with a torn Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old left-hander had his breakout in 2019, posting a 17-6 record after moving into the rotation early in the season. “It's been really neat to be with Max through this whole run, to watch him mature and become the pitcher that he is," Snitker said. With Soroka — the 2020 opening day starter — still rehabbing from his injury, Fried was the logical choice to get the nod in next Thursday's opener against Aaron Nola of the Phillies. Still, it was a thrill for Fried to get the word officially. “I was excited,” he said. “It's something you dream... [More]

The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander Kyle Wright to their alternate training site on Wednesday, clearing the way for Bryse Wilson to open the season as the No. 5 starter. Wright made two postseason starts in 2020 following a strong finish to the regular season but was unable to pitch with consistency this spring. He had a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings this spring after finishing 2020 with a 2-4 record and 5.21 ERA in eight regular-season starts. Wright, 25, helped the Braves advance to the NL Championship Series last season. Making his postseason debut, he threw six scoreless innings in Game 3 of Atlanta's three-game sweep of Miami in the NL Division Series. He couldn't maintain that form, however, as he gave up seven runs while recording only two outs in his only NLCS start, a 15-3 loss to the Dodgers. Wright and Wilson led the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation as the Braves await the return of Mike Soroka from a torn Achilles tendon. Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson and... [More]

Michael Kopech is getting used to his new relief role with the Chicago White Sox. Judging by his first Cactus League appearance, it looks like he's going to be just fine. The talented right-hander worked a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against San Diego. It was his first game since he opted out of the pandemic-shortened season for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health. “It’s been a while, obviously,” Kopech said. “But it just felt good to kind of knock some rust off and get back out there and compete.” The 24-year-old Kopech, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, was a starter coming up through the minors and likely will return to Chicago’s rotation at some point. But he is expected to begin the year in the White Sox bullpen. Part of his spring training work involves getting up to speed when it comes to life as a reliever. He worked out of the stretch against the Padres. “If I am going to be throwing out of the bullpen for part of this year at least and maybe... [More]

Michael Kopech is getting used to his new relief role with the Chicago White Sox. Judging by his first Cactus League appearance, it looks like he's going to be just fine. The talented right-hander worked a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against San Diego. It was his first game since he opted out of the pandemic-shortened season for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health. “It’s been a while, obviously,” Kopech said. “But it just felt good to kind of knock some rust off and get back out there and compete.” The 24-year-old Kopech, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, was a starter coming up through the minors and likely will return to Chicago’s rotation at some point. But he is expected to begin the year in the White Sox bullpen. Part of his spring training work involves getting up to speed when it comes to life as a reliever. He worked out of the stretch against the Padres. “If I am going to be throwing out of the bullpen for part of this year at least and maybe... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — It took a while for Brian Snitker to get his shot at being a big league manager. He's in no hurry to let it go. The Atlanta Braves announced Friday they have extended Snitker's contract through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024. Snitker is certainly worthy of the job security, having led the Braves to three straight NL East titles and within one win of a spot in the World Series last season. The 65-year-old Snitker took over the Braves on an interim basis in 2016 and is heading into his fifth full season as the skipper. “It feels good,” he said after Friday's spring training workout in North Port, Florida. “I'm not one that worries about that kind of thing, honestly. If this was going to be my last year or whatever, I would give it everything I've got. But it's nice, obviously, that someone thinks enough of you to extend that kind of package.” Snitker has been with the Braves organization for 45 seasons as a player, coach and manager — mostly in the minor leagues... [More]

For a 22-year-old rookie who has had only four regular-season at-bats, Cristian Pache has good reason to look comfortable with Atlanta Braves starters in spring training. Pache already has delivered offensive and defensive highlights on one of the game's biggest stages. Pache unveiled his talents with six starts in center field in Atlanta's NLCS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His second-deck homer and above-the-wall catch were enticing previews of the big plays he might provide as a starter in 2021. The big-game exposure changed Pache's offseason. Suddenly, he didn't blend in as easily when he returned to his home in the Dominican Republic. “I think it was a little different,” Pache said Wednesday through a translator. “When I went back home I was recognized a little bit more around town." The postseason experience was especially valuable after the coronavirus pandemic took away the minor league season. Already this spring, manager Brian Snitker sees evidence of the young outfielder’s... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Outfielder Ian Happ defeated the Chicago Cubs in baseball's final salary arbitration case this year on Friday and will get a raise from $624,000 to $4.1 million. Teams finished with a 5-4 advantage in cases that went to a hearing, their second straight winning record after two consecutive years in which players had an advantage. Overall, teams are 325-247 since arbitration began in 1974. A day after hearing arguments, arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch decided in favor of Happ's figure rather than the team's $3.25 million. Happ, 26, hit .258 with 12 homers and 28 RBIs over 198 at-bats during the shortened season. He was eligible for arbitration for the first time after earning $231,111 in prorated pay. St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) also won their cases. Teams beat Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), San Francisco infielder Donovan Solano ($3.25 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D. Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million). All hearings were held by Zoom for the first time this year due to the pandemic. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco Giants defeated Donovan Solano in salary arbitration Thursday, and the infielder will be paid the team’s $3.25 million offer rather than his $3.9 million request. The 33-year-old second baseman, who also can play shortstop, hit a career-high .326 with three homers and 29 RBIs in 190 at-bats during the pandemic-shortened season. He earned $509,259 in prorated pay from a $1,375,000 salary. Melinda Gordon, Gil Vernon and Robert Keller issued the decision, one day after hearing arguments. Solano is eligible for free agency after the World Series. Teams have won five of eight cases decided thus far, also beating Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D. Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million). St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco Giants defeated Donovan Solano in salary arbitration Thursday, and the infielder will be paid the team’s $3.25 million offer rather than his $3.9 million request. The 33-year-old second baseman, who also can play shortstop, hit a career-high .326 with three homers and 29 RBIs in 190 at-bats during the pandemic-shortened season. He earned $509,259 in prorated pay from a $1,375,000 salary. Melinda Gordon, Gil Vernon and Robert Keller issued the decision, one day after hearing arguments. Solano is eligible for free agency after the World Series. Teams have won five of eight cases decided thus far, also beating Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D. Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million). St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) won their cases. Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ became the final player this year to go to a hearing. Happ asked for a raise from $624,000 to $4.1 million during Thursday’s Zoom session, and the Cubs argued he should be paid $3.25 million. A decision by arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch is expected Friday.

Mike Soroka isn't considering a cautious approach to his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon after throwing on the opening day of the Atlanta Braves' spring training. “Really, on the mound I am ready to compete,” Soroka said, adding “I feel amazing.” Soroka was the Braves' 2020 opening day starter before tearing his right Achilles tendon in his third start of the season. The right-hander needed surgery before beginning his recovery with the goal of being ready to open the 2021 season. Braves pitchers and catchers had their first workout on Thursday in North Port, Florida. Manager Brian Snitker said Soroka “looked really good” while throwing. Soroka said his arm feels as strong as normal for the start of spring. The question, of course, is the health of Soroka's right leg. He said the Achilles tendon is strong, but he acknowledged he still has to build up the strength in his calf, knee and hip. Even so, Soroka had a quick response when asked if it would be smart to avoid trying to be ready... [More]

The Atlanta Braves beat Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration, and the shortstop will earn $6 million rather than his request for $6.7 million. Arbitrators Richard Bloch, Walt De Treaux, Robert Herman made the decision Tuesday, a day after hearing arguments. The 27-year-old Swanson hit .274 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs last season in an NL-high 237 at-bats. He earned $1,666,667 in prorated pay from a $3.15 million salary. Teams have won four of seven cases, with Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ and San Francisco second baseman Donovan Solano remaining scheduled for hearings this week. Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) won, as did St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million) and Tampa Bay first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million). Rays reliever Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D. Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million) lost. All cases are being argued over Zoom this year due to the pandemic rather than in person. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — Shortstop Dansby Swanson went to salary arbitration with the Atlanta Braves on Monday, asking for a raise to $6.7 million rather than the team’s $6 million offer. Arbitrators Richard Bloch, Walt De Treaux, Robert Herman heard the case, and a decision is expected Tuesday. The 27-year-old Swanson hit .274 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs last season in an NL-high 237 at-bats. He earned $1,666,667 in prorated pay from a $3.15 million salary. Atlanta lost its case last week against pitcher Mike Soroka, who will earn $2.8 million rather than the team’s $2.1 million offer. Two players remain scheduled for hearings this week: Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ and San Francisco second baseman Donovan Solano. Players and teams have split six decisions this year. St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million) and Tampa Bay first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) also won. Rays reliever Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million) lost along with New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D. Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million). All cases are being argued over Zoom this year due to the pandemic rather than in person. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty and Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka won their salary arbitration cases on Saturday, and Tampa Bay reliever Ryan Yarbrough lost. Flaherty was awarded a raise from from $604,500 to $3.9 million by arbitrators Howard Edelman, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux, who heard arguments Feb. 5. The Cardinals had submitted $3 million. Soroka was given a raise from $583,500 to $2.8 million by arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Margaret Brogan and Robert Herzog, who heard arguments Friday. The Braves had argued for $2.1 million. Yarbrough received a raise from $578,500 to $2.3 million from arbitrators Allen Ponak, Mark Burstein and Jules Bloch rather than his request for $3.1 million. Players and teams have split six decisions. The New York Mets defeated third baseman and outfielder J.D. Davis and the Baltimore Orioles beat outfielder Anthony Santander. First baseman Ji-Man Choi defeated the Rays. Four players remain scheduled for hearings next week: Los Angeles Dodgers... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty and Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka won their salary arbitration cases on Saturday, and Tampa Bay reliever Ryan Yarbrough lost. Flaherty was awarded a raise from from $604,500 to $3.9 million by arbitrators Howard Edelman, Steven Wolf and Walt De Treux, who heard arguments Feb. 5. The Cardinals had submitted $3 million. Soroka was given a raise from $583,500 to $2.8 million by arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Margaret Brogan and Robert Herzog, who heard arguments Friday. The Braves had argued for $2.1 million. Yarbrough received a raise from $578,500 to $2.3 million from arbitrators Allen Ponak, Mark Burstein and Jules Bloch rather than his request for $3.1 million. Players and teams have split six decisions. The New York Mets defeated third baseman and outfielder J.D. Davis and the Baltimore Orioles beat outfielder Anthony Santander. First baseman Ji-Man Choi defeated the Rays. Four players remain scheduled for hearings next week: Los Angeles Dodgers... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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: ___ Atlanta Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (sixth season). 2020: 35-25, first place, lost to Dodgers in NL Championship Series. Training Town: North Port, Florida. Park: CoolToday Park. First Workout: Feb. 18/23. He’s Here: RHP Charlie Morton, LHP Drew Smyly, RHP Carl Edwards, SS Ehire Adrianza, RHP Victor Arano. He’s Outta Here: OF Nick Markakis, OF Adam Duvall, INF Charlie Culberson, RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Mark Melancon, C Tyler Flowers, RHP Shane Greene, RHP Darren O’Day, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Adeiny Hechavarria, LHP Cole Hamels. Going campin’: The key offseason move was re-signing left fielder Marcell Ozuna to a four-year, $65 million deal. Morton and Smyly add experience to the rotation. The team can take a cautious approach with 2020 opening day starter Mike Soroka’s return from... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor, Kris Bryant, Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager were among 112 players who agreed to one-year contracts Friday, leaving just 13 to swap salary arbitration figures during a slow offseason in the aftermath of the financial carnage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The deals came on the deadline day for eligible players and teams to exchange proposed 2021 salaries. Lindor, the star shortstop acquired last week by the New York Mets from Cleveland, got the largest of the deals at $22.3 million. The Mets hope to sign him to a long-term contract that would prevent him from becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Lindor says he does not want to extend talks past when he starts spring training next month. Lindor's deal is the fourth-largest one-year contract for an arbitration-eligible player, trailing Mookie Betts ($27 million with Boston last year), Nolan Arenado ($26 million with Colorado in 2019) and Josh Donaldson ($23 million with Toronto in 2018).... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor, Kris Bryant, Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager were among 112 players who agreed to one-year contracts Friday, leaving just 13 to swap salary arbitration figures during a slow offseason in the aftermath of the financial carnage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The deals came on the deadline day for players and teams to exchange proposed 2021 salaries. Lindor, the star shortstop acquired last week by the New York Mets from Cleveland, got the largest of the deals at $22.3 million. The Mets hope to sign him to a long-term contract that would prevent him from becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Lindor says he does not want to extend talks past when he starts spring training next month. Lindor's deal is the fourth-highest one-year contract for an arbitration-eligible player, trailing Mookie Betts ($27 million with Boston last year), Nolan Arenado ($26 million with Colorado in 2019) and Josh Donaldson ($23 million with Toronto in 2018). Bryant agreed... [More]