DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Hyun-Jin Ryu is now the clear ace of a major league rotation — with all the pressure and responsibility that comes with that.“We win games by having all the players put in their efforts,” Ryu said through a translator Thursday. “At the same time, I do realize the expectation and the weight that comes with this kind of contract and what the Blue Jays wanted, and I know exactly what the Blue Jays want from me.”What Toronto needs is some stability in its rotation. The Blue Jays used 21 different starters last year, then made several additions in the offseason. Ryu was the most prominent acquisition, signing a four-year, $80 million contract after finishing second in the National League Cy Young Award vote with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Ryu was the only NL pitcher to receive a first-place vote for the Cy Young besides winner Jacob deGrom, but pitching in Los Angeles, it was easy for the left-hander to be overshadowed by the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Ryu... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Boston Red Sox defeated pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez in salary arbitration on Thursday, improving teams to 5-1 this year.Rodríguez will earn $8.3 million rather than his request for $8,975,000. The case was decided by arbitrators Steven Wolf, Walt De Treux and Melinda Gordon, who heard the argument Wednesday.A leftt-hander who turns 27 in April, Rodríguez was a career-best 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 34 starts last season, when he made $4,325,000. He is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Teams also beat Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez has been the lone player to win.All-Star closer Josh Hader went to a hearing with Milwaukee on Thursday after just making the eligibility cutoff with 2 years, 115 days of major league service. Hader asked for a raise from $687,600 to $6.4 million, and the Brewers argued for $4.1 million. A decision... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — On the day of his first formal workout with the New York Yankees, Gerrit Cole talked about what he did and did not know about the Houston Astros.Houston was disciplined by Major League Baseball for breaking rules by using a video camera to steal signs during its run to the 2017 title and again during the 2018 season, the first after Cole was acquired from Pittsburgh. New York lost to Houston in the AL Championship Series in both 2017 and against last year. Cole is ready to discuss the Astros if his new teammates inquire. "I'll just give them an honest answer, which is I had no idea of any of it going on and I didn't see any of it," Cole said. "So, I really don't think I have much to apologize for."Yankees manager Aaron Boone doesn't think it's necessary to talk with Cole about the lingering issue."He was there after a lot of the specific things that we know were going on, so no, I don't view it as anything we've got to address with Gerrit," Boone said. Signed to a $324... [More]

All-Star lefty Mike Minor feels like the Texas Rangers will be in pretty good shape if he and hard-throwing right-hander Lance Lynn can do again what they did last season. The workhorse starters now have some veteran help in the rotation with the additions of a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner and a pair of right-handers coming off career highs in wins while pitching for playoff teams.“Last year there was a lot of pressure on me and Lance to win the games that we pitched,” Minor said. “And there were some young guys in there just getting some time up there just to see how it was.”While Lynn and Minor combined for 30 wins and each pitched 208 1-3 innings with at least 200 strikeouts, there were 17 other pitchers who started games for Texas. Nine of them were rookies, some relievers pitching in an “opener” role. The Rangers got started this offseason by signing free-agent right-handers Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles, but weren't finished there. They acquired Texas native and former Cy Young... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Buster Posey caught a pair of bullpens on Day 1 and his body recovered beautifully. Sure, that's hardly his full workload or even close to comparable to a long regular season of travel and quick turnarounds. But Posey can certainly relish how reassuring it is to finally feel like himself again following a winter without rehabbing. A year ago when spring training began, San Francisco's veteran catcher was still recovering from right hip surgery.He can already sense a significant difference in his swing both in the cage and during on-field batting practice, and he clobbered several balls Thursday under the desert sun at Scottsdale Stadium that left spectators marveling. “I can say it's night and day right now, from this time last year,” Posey said. “Just able to do everything normal for me at this point. Running was an issue last year. If I were to take a pitch, that quick stop that I would have to make was an issue. So, none of that. I think it's just time, having... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Boston Red Sox defeated pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez in salary arbitration on Thursday, improving teams to 5-1 this year.Rodríguez will earn $8.3 million rather than his request for $8,975,000. The case was decided by arbitrators Steven Wolf, Walt De Treux and Melinda Gordon, who heard the argument Wednesday.A right-hander who turns 27 in April, Rodríguez was a career-best 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 34 starts last season, when he made $4,325,000. He is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Teams also beat Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez has been the lone player to win.All-Star closer Josh Hader went to a hearing with Milwaukee on Thursday after just making the eligibility cutoff with 2 years, 115 days of major league service. Hader asked for a raise from $687,600 to $6.4 million, and the Brewers argued for $4.1 million. A decision... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Acquired to help generate offense, Tommy Pham hopes to help the San Diego Padres make better contact.“I think we’re going to have to do a better job of controlling the strike zone,” Pham said Thursday on the Padres' first day of spring training workouts. “From when I played against them with Tampa, from what I saw outside looking in, we didn’t do a good job controlling the strike zone. There were a lot of punch -outs. Tampa is one of the best staffs in baseball, they strike out a lot of guys, but you have to give yourself a chance.”San Diego lead the NL with 1,581 strikeouts last year and was 13th among 15 clubs in runs with 682.Pham struck out 123 times in 654 plate appearances in only full season with the Rays, who traded him on Dec. 6. His analysis was informed by a three-game series between the teams in August, when the Rays won twice and their pitchers struck out 39 in 26 innings.“Strikeouts are a part of the game. Ddon’t get me wrong, I strike out a lot, too,”... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Boston Red Sox defeated pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez in salary arbitration on Thursday, improving teams to 5-1 this year.Rodríguez will earn $8.3 million rather than his request for $8,975,000. The case was decided by arbitrators Steven Wolf, Walt De Treux and Melinda Gordon, who heard the argument Wednesday.A right-hander who turns 27 in April, Rodríguez was a career-best 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 34 starts last season, when he made $4,325,000. He is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Teams also beat Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez has been the lone player to win.All-Star closer Josh Hader went to a hearing with Milwaukee on Thursday after just making the eligibility cutoff with 2 years, 115 days of major league service. Hader asked for a raise from $687,600 to $6.4 million, and the Brewers argued for $4.1 million. A decision... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Taijuan Walker wearing Seattle Mariners blue was a familiar sight Thursday, if only for the longtime club staffers at spring training.The right-handed pitcher, signed to a major-league contract Wednesday, took the field with Mariners pitchers and catchers for their first workout of the spring. The last time he did that was 2016, his last year with the team that originally drafted him, before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks after that season.“It feels like a comeback, and it feels good,” Walker said.Walker’s physical comeback actually took place last Sept. 29, when he started and pitched an inning in the Diamondbacks’ 1-0 win over the San Diego Padres, the regular season finale for both teams. That was the culmination of almost two full seasons of rehab from Tommy John surgery in April 2018, and from a shoulder injury setback last May as he neared a return.“I’m comfortable here. That was the biggest decision. I haven’t pitched in two years, so I wanted somewhere... [More]

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Felix Hernandez turned around with surprise as he sensed media waiting to engage him.“You want to talk to me?” the new Atlanta Braves pitcher asked.Yes. Former Cy Young winners have a way of drawing interest.Hernandez’s presence is one of the early sub plots for the defending National League East Division champions. Free-agent acquisition Cole Hamels, pegged No. 4 in the team’s rotation, may miss three weeks of camp with shoulder soreness. There already had been an expected duel for the No. 5 spot between Hernandez, Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright and recently signed Josh Tomlin.The Braves worked out their pitchers and catchers for the first time Thursday. Position players aren’t required to attend until next week.The No. 4 and 5 starter spots are important because the Braves hit the ground running with their schedule. They open at Arizona on March 26, which will start a stretch where they have just one day off in their first 25 games.“I’m not concerned,” Braves manager... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to pay Kenta Maeda's $1 million assignment bonus as part of their trade of the pitcher to the Minnesota Twins.Los Angeles also agreed to pay the Twins $3 million to cover part of Maeda's salary and reimburse Minnesota for up to $7 million of his earned bonuses, according to information obtained by The Associated Press.Meada's maximum cost to the Twins would be $3,713,500 this year if he earns $13.15 million, his total if he reaches all his roster and performance and bonus levels. His maximum to Minnesota would be $12,586,500 in 2021 and $13.15 million in both 2022 and '23, a total exposure to the Twins of $42.6 million.Los Angeles will pay $2,436,500 this year split into in 12 installments on the 15th and last day of each month from April through September. The first four installments are $203,041.66 and the last eight $203,041.67.A final payment of $563,500 is due on June 30, 2021.Maeda was acquired with catcher Jair Camargo on Monday for... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Right-hander Brad Boxberger and utilityman Sean Rodriguez agreed to terms on minor league deals with the Miami Marlins that include invitations to big league spring training.Boxberger went 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA for the Kansas City Royals last year. He is an eight-year veteran with a 3.59 career ERA for four teams.Rodriguez, a 12-year veteran, batted .223 in 76 games for the Philadelphia Phillies last season. He has a career .226 average with five teams.___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The Boston Red Sox defeated pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez in salary arbitration on Thursday, improving teams to 5-1 this year.Rodríguez will earn $8.3 million rather than his request for $8,975,000. The case was decided by arbitrators Steven Wolf, Walt De Treux and Melinda Gordon, who heard the argument Wednesday.A right-hander who turns 27 in April, Rodríguez was a career-best 19-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 34 starts last season, when he made $4,325,000. He is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Teams also beat Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez has been the lone player to win.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Injured second baseman Dustin Pedroia won't report to spring training with the rest of the Red Sox position players next week, manager Ron Roenicke said Thursday in somewhat of a eulogy for the former MVP's career.“He's a special player,” Roenicke said after confirming what had been suspected since it was reported that Pedroia had a setback in his latest attempt to rehab his left knee. “All the things you like from a player, he's got.”A four-time All-Star who was the AL rookie of the year in 2007 and the AL MVP in his second season, Pedroia has played in just nine games the last two seasons while trying to recover from the injury he sustained when Baltimore's Manny Machado slid spikes-high into his knee in May 2017. For the third straight spring, the team was hoping Pedroia could return to the lineup. For the third straight spring, those plans have been thwarted. Boston signed infielder José Peraza to a one-year deal in December, and Michael Chavis also plays second... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Tommy Hunter passed his physical and worked out with the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday after the right-hander finalized an $850,000, one-year contract.Hunter can earn an additional $1.4 million in performances as part of deal.Hunter had surgery last July to repair the flexor tendon in his right arm after pitching in just five games. He had a 3.80 ERA in 64 innings in 2018 and has a 4.08 ERA and 21 saves in 12 seasons. Righty reliever David Robertson was moved to the 60-day injury list to make room on the roster. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery on Aug. 15.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Free agent Jarrod Dyson finalized a $2 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hopes the veteran can fill the void left in center created by Starling Marte's trade to Arizona.The 35-year-old hit .230 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in 130 games with the Diamondbacks last season. Dyson also stole 30 bases for the fifth time in his 10-year big league career.The Pirates are retooling following a last-place finish that led to an overhaul of the club's leadership staff. New general manager Ben Cherington sent Marte to Arizona last month in exchange for two 19-year-old prospects.Pittsburgh is set at the corner outfield spots with Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco. Reynolds can play center field but the Pirates are more comfortable with him in left. Guillermo Heredia and Jason Martin are in the mix for a utility outfielder role. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to pay Kenta Maeda's $1 million assignment bonus as part of their trade of the pitcher to the Minnesota Twins.Los Angeles also agreed to pay the Twins $3 million to cover part of Maeda's salary and reimburse Minnesota for up to $7 million of his earned bonuses, according to information obtained by The Associated Press.Meada's maximum cost to the Twins would be $3,713,500 this year if he earns $13.15 million, his total if he reaches all his roster and performance and bonus levels. His maximum to Minnesota would be $12,586,500 in 2021 and $13.15 million in both 2022 and '23, a total exposure to the Twins of $42.6 million.Los Angeles will pay $2,436,500 this year split into in 12 installments on the 15th and last day of each month from April through September. The first four installments are $203,041.66 and the last eight $203,041.67.A final payment of $563,500 is due on June 30, 2021.Meada was acquired with catcher Jair Camargo on Monday for... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Mike Leake has a fracture on his non-throwing wrist but still hopes to be ready for the beginning of the regular season.The 32-year-old Leake had an MRI on Wednesday and he said it revealed an old fracture that was aggravated by a fall while he was chasing his dog. He had a small brace on his left wrist Thursday and said that “hopefully two weeks (of inactivity) can make it feel normal, it won't be full strength, but we'll do our best to heal the bone.” The righty can still do his throwing, but will get the ball out of a bucket instead of playing catch.“The plan is still to try and be ready for Game 1,” Leake said. Leake is expected to be a part of the Diamondbacks' deep rotation that includes the newly acquired Madison Bumgarner and holdovers Robbie Ray, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen and Luke Weaver. He had a 12-11 record with a 4.29 ERA last season, splitting time between the Seattle Mariners and Diamondbacks after being traded midseason.Leake is in the final year of an $80 million, five-year deal. He's won 105 career games and won a Gold Glove in 2019.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Avoiding any specifics about their team’s sign-stealing during its 2017 World Series championship season, Houston Astros players Alex Bregman and José Altuve apologized Thursday for the scheme that was investigated and punished by Major League Baseball.Astros owner Jim Crane and new manager Dusty Baker — who replaced the fired AJ Hinch — also spoke at a news conference at the team’s spring training facility.And while the clear purpose was to say, “We’re sorry” and hope to move on, Crane raised eyebrows with this statement: “Our opinion is that this didn’t impact the game. We had a good team. We won the World Series. And we’ll leave it at that.”Asked moments later about his statement about the effects on the game, Crane tried to backtrack, saying, “It’s hard to determine how it impacted the game, if it impacted the game.”MLB did not punish any players for the cheating and Crane said he stood by that.“We’re not going to do anything to the players,” the owner said.Altuve... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Houston Astros players Alex Bregman and José Altuve said Thursday the team is sorry for its sign-stealing scheme that was investigated and punished by Major League Baseball.“I am really sorry,” Bregman said.Astros owner Jim Crane and new manager Dusty Baker — who replaced the fired AJ Hinch — also spoke at a news conference at the team’s spring training facility.“We cannot take back what happened,” Crane said.MLB did not punish any players for the cheating and Crane said he stood by that.We’re not going to do anything to the players,” the owner said.Altuve said there was a full team meeting Wednesday to discuss what happened.MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred disciplined the Astros after he found the team broke rules by using electronics to steal signs during its run to the 2017 World Series championship and again in the 2018 season.The Astros were fined $5 million, the maximum allowed under major league rulesion, and forfeited their next two first- and second-round amateur draft picks.The investigation found that the Astros used the video feed from a center field camera to view and decode opposing catcher’s signs. Players banged on a trash can to signal to batters what was coming, believing it would improve chances of getting a hit.