SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland's Franmil Reyes strikes out quite a bit and isn't a particularly good defensive outfielder.But the Indians slugger is showing once again that he can smash baseballs a long, long way.The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Reyes has flashed prodigious power during his short big-league career and is doing it again this spring in the Cactus League. He's 9-for-18 through Wednesday's games with three homers and four doubles.Reyes is coming off a 37-homer season, splitting time between the Padres and Indians after getting traded midseason. The 24-year-old is trying to improve as an outfielder, but the move to the American League means he can provide value as a designated hitter, too.The Indians hope to improve on last year's 93-win season that left them just short of the playoffs. If Reyes can be an anchor in the middle of the lineup, it certainly would help the cause.Here are a few other players who are playing well in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues (through Wednesday's... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno acknowledges he scrapped the proposed trade that would have landed Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling from the Dodgers.Moreno also says the Angels can make an even bigger trade for an elite starting pitcher if they get a chance this season.Moreno covered many topics in his annual informal conversation with reporters on the training fields outside Tempe Diablo Stadium. He is excited about the potential impact of $245 million third baseman Anthony Rendon and optimistic about his pitching staff's ability to improve after a poor season.Moreno also is eager to move on from the scuttled trade that would have sent infielder Luis Rengifo and a prospect to the Dodgers for Pederson and Stripling earlier in the month.Both veterans likely would have played immediately for the Angels, but Moreno called off the talks around the deal while the Dodgers' blockbuster deal with Boston was delayed for several days.“It wasn't all impatience,” Moreno said.... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Left-hander Tommy Milone completed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday and will try to earn a roster spot at big league spring training. Milone, who turns 33 on Sunday, is 50-47 with a 4.47 ERA in nine major league seasons with Washington, Oakland, Minnesota, Milwaukee, the New York Mets and Seattle. He was 4-10 with a 4.76 ERA for the Mariners last year in six starts and 17 relief appearances.Baltimore had the major leagues' highest ERA last season at 5.59 and traded starter Dylan Bundy to the Los Angeles Angels for four minor league pitchers in December. They have been trying to sign candidates for the rotation and earlier this month added Wade LeBlanc, another left-hander who pitched for Seattle last season. ___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Rendon met many of his new teammates for the first time Thursday during a quick visit to the Los Angeles Angels' clubhouse a few days before their position players' reporting date.Another newcomer with huge importance to the Angels' turnaround hopes is already hard at work in Arizona.While the $245 million third baseman was the Halos' highest-profile offseason addition, right-hander Dylan Bundy is expected to fill a need that's even more pressing for the Angels than offense.Bundy made 89 starts over the last three seasons for the Baltimore Orioles while averaging 167 2-3 innings per year, while only two starters in the last three years have made 30 starts for the Angels. Los Angeles had exactly one pitcher who managed to get through even 100 innings on its injury-riddled staff last season, and the Halos' 5.12 team ERA was 25th among the majors' 30 teams.To avoid overtaxing their bullpen again, the Angels badly needed durable, innings-eating starters. Bundy —... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — A year ago, Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde were in their first spring training together as Baltimore Orioles general manager and manager. After a season of 108 losses, they're back for Year 2. The Orioles have 67 players on their spring roster, and Elias said that he likes the group that the Orioles have. “Going over the 40-man roster and looking at the players that are here, we’ve got hopes for all of them, and they’re all talented, and they have things to like about them, so we definitely feel like it’s coming together," Elias said. “It’s a part of a longer process, but it’s moving in the right direction.”Baltimore's biggest issue is trying to construct a starting rotation. Last season, 18 pitchers started for the Orioles, and they had a horrifying 5.57 ERA. In December, Baltimore traded right-hander Dylan Bundy to the Los Angeles Angels for four minor league pitchers. Bundy was one of the Orioles' most accomplished starters. In the rotation so far, Baltimore has left-hander... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League West 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:___Houston Astros Manager: Dusty Baker (first season). 2019: 107-55, first place, lost to Nationals in World Series. Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida. Park: Ballpark of Palm Beaches. First Workout: Feb. 13/17. He's Here: Manager Dusty Baker, RHP Austin Pruitt, C Dustin Garneau.He's Outta Here: Manager AJ Hinch, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Will Harris, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Tony Kemp. Going campin': The Astros enter the spring reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. They brought in Baker to steady the team, and it gives the 70-year-old another chance to chase his first World Series title as a manager. He’ll get a crash course learning his new team this spring after being hired less than three weeks before pitchers and catchers... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American 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:___New York YankeesManager: Aaron Boone (third season). 2019: 103-59, first place, lost to Houston in AL Championship Series. Training Town: Tampa, Florida. Park: George Steinbrenner Field. First Workout: Feb. 13/18. He's Here: RHP Gerrit Cole, C Erik Kratz, C Chris Iannetta, C Josh Thole, RHP Nick Tropeano, LHP Luis Avil�nHe's Outta Here: LHP CC Sabathia, SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Edwin Encarnacion, C Austin Romine, RHP Dellin Betances, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Jacoby Ellsbury, 1B Greg Bird, RHP Chance Adams, LHP Stephen Tarpley, LHP Nestor Cortes Jr., RHP Cory GearrinGoing campin': After a big league-record 30 players went on the injured list a total of 39 times last season, health remains a concern. Left-hander James Paxton had back surgery Feb. 5 and is expected to be sidelined until May or... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — All-Star infielder Tommy La Stella and closer Hansel Robles were among six arbitration-eligible Los Angeles Angels players who agreed to one-year deals Friday.La Stella got a raise from $1.35 million to $3.25 million, and Robles will jump from $1.4 million to $3.85 million. The Angels also agreed to contracts with starters Andrew Heaney ($4.3 million, up from $3.4 million) and Dylan Bundy ($5 million, up from $2.8 million), and relievers Noé Ramirez ($900,000) and Keynan Middleton ($800,000).Los Angeles couldn't reach agreement with outfielder Brian Goodwin and is headed toward salary arbitration. Goodwin is seeking $2.2 million and the Angels have offered $1.85 million.La Stella had a breakout season that was spoiled by a broken right leg in July. The 30-year-old set career highs with a .295 average, 16 homers and 44 RBIs in 80 games and made his first All-Star team, but he was unable to play in the game due to his injury.Robles had 23 saves and became a fan favorite... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — All-Star infielder Tommy La Stella and closer Hansel Robles were among five arbitration-eligible Los Angeles Angels players who agreed to one-year deals Friday.La Stella got a raise from $1.35 million to $3.25 million, and Robles will jump from $1.4 million to $3.85 million. The Angels also agreed to contracts with starters Andrew Heaney ($4.3 million, up from $3.4 million) and Dylan Bundy ($5 million, up from $2.8 million), and relievers Noé Ramirez ($900,000) and Keynan Middleton ($800,000).Los Angeles couldn't reach agreement with outfielder Brian Goodwin and is headed toward salary arbitration. Goodwin is seeking $2.2 million and the Angels have offered $1.85 million.La Stella had a breakout season that was spoiled by a broken right leg in July. The 30-year-old set career highs with a .295 average, 16 homers and 44 RBIs in 80 games and made his first All-Star team, but he was unable to play in the game due to his injury.Robles had 23 saves and became a fan favorite... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Reliever Miguel Castro and the Baltimore Orioles avoided arbitration when they agreed Thursday to a one-year contract for $1.05 million.A reliever who turned 25 on Dec. 24, Castro is a hard thrower with potential to grow. He has a strong fastball but has trouble controlling it.In 2019, Castro was 1-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 65 games and converted two of five save chances. He had a salary of $569,000.The payroll-slashing Orioles have four players still on track to exchange proposed salaries Friday: pitchers Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens and Hanser Alberto, and first-baseman-outfielder Trey Mancini.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.Castro would get a one-time $250,000 assignment bonus if traded, payable by the receiving team.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Catcher Jason Castro has finalized a $6.85 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.The Angels announced the agreement Tuesday after the sides reached a deal last week. Left-hander Adalberto Mejía was designated for assignment to make room.The 32-year-old Castro is a respected defensive catcher who committed just one error last season and bolstered his reputation for working well with young pitchers. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and he posted a career-best .767 on-base percentage last season while contributing 13 homers and 30 RBIs.The Bay Area native is expected to join Max Stassi as the Angels' new catching duo. Both are former Houston Astros catchers.The Angels have bolstered their roster with veteran talent in the offseason. They signed third baseman Anthony Rendon to a $245 million, seven-year contract, and added a pair of veteran starting pitchers when they acquired Dylan Bundy from Baltimore and signed free agent Julio Teheran.——— More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Billy Eppler has said throughout the offseason that the Los Angeles Angels' top priority was adding stability to the pitching staff. The general manager believes he's done that by bringing in Julio Teheran.The Angels announced Saturday they have signed the two-time All-Star to a $9 million, one-year contract. Teheran has spent the past seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves. “It was important to bring some stability and certainty to our rotation," Eppler said. “He has the ability to command all his pitches and brings some deception to his arsenal."The Angels had only 22 quality starts last season, which according to Sportradar marks only the second time a major league staff has had fewer than 30 (Colorado had 27 in 2012). LA starters also compiled a 5.64 ERA, second highest in the major leagues. Eppler said he had trade discussions with Atlanta regarding Teheran in the past. The 28-year-old right-hander hit free agency after the Braves declined his $12 million option.Teheran... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels added another arm to their rotation, agreeing to a $9 million, one-year contract with right-hander Julio Teheran, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press .The person spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, is subject to a successful physical. Teheran spent the past seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves, who declined his $12 million option. He was 10-11 with a 3.81 ERA last season and was left off the Division Series roster against St. Louis, then added as a replacement when Chris Martin got hurtThe 28-year old Teheran is 77-73 with a 3.67 ERA in 229 games, all but three starts.The Angels had the second-highest ERA in the major leagues last season at 5.64 ERA and have made pitching a major priority during the offseason. They tried to sign Gerrit Cole before he acceoted a $324 million, nine-year deal with the New York Yankees and have turned their attention toward Dallas Keuchel and Hyun-Jin Ryu. They also acquired Dylan Bundy in a trade with Baltimore.In addition to Teheran and Bundy, Los Angeles has Andrew Heaney, Shohei Ohtani and Griffin Canning in its projected rotation.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels added another arm to their rotation, agreeing to a $9 million, one-year contract with right-hander Julio Teheran, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press .The person spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, is subject to a successful physical. Teheran spent the past seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves, who declined his $12 million option. He was 10-11 with a 3.81 ERA last season and was left off the Division Series roster against St. Louis, then added as a replacement when Chris Martin got hurtThe 28-year old Teheran is 77-73 with a 3.67 ERA in 229 games, all but three starts.The Angels had the second-highest ERA in the major leagues last season at 5.64 ERA and have made pitching a major priority during the offseason. They tried to sign Gerrit Cole before he acceoted a $324 million, nine-year deal with the New York Yankees and have turned their attention toward Dallas Keuchel and Hyun-Jin Ryu. They also acquired Dylan Bundy in a trade with Baltimore.In addition to Teheran and Bundy, Los Angeles has Andrew Heaney, Shohei Ohtani and Griffin Canning in its projected rotation.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Dylan Bundy from the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday in a trade for four minor league pitchers.The 27-year-old Bundy has been a durable starter with a nasty slider for the past four seasons with the Orioles, who chose him with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft. The Angels got him for four prospects, none ranked among their top 20 by most estimates.Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said his latest trade "represents a big step toward our stated goals to accumulate and develop as much young talent as possible.""It's a bittersweet thing, parting with Dylan," Elias added. "He has done a lot for the Orioles. He has laid it on the line at all times for the Orioles and always taken the ball, and this dates well back beyond my short time here. We're going to miss him, and we have a hole in our rotation to fill."Bundy's durability and consistency are extremely enticing to the Angels, whose starters last season had... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have acquired right-hander Dylan Bundy from the Baltimore Orioles in a trade for four minor league pitchers,The 27-year-old Bundy has been a solid starter with a nasty slider for the past four seasons with the Orioles, who chose him with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft.He has won 38 games in those four seasons, including 13 wins in 2017 during his first full season as a big-league starter. Bundy went 15-30 with a 5.13 ERA and 70 home runs allowed during the Orioles' past two miserable seasons, but he has started at least 28 games in three straight years while averaging 168 innings in Baltimore's rotation.Bundy will be a key rotation member for the Angels, whose starters last season had the majors' second-worst ERA amid a mind-boggling string of injuries. Starting pitching is the prime focus of offseason improvement for the Angels, who expect to compete for the services of Orange County native Gerrit Cole and other elite free... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The rebuilding Baltimore Orioles further slashed their slim salary payroll by trading infielder Jonathan Villar to Miami on Monday for minor league pitcher Easton Lucas.Villar played in all 162 games this year and led the Orioles with 176 hits, five triples and 40 stolen bases.“He was a tremendously exciting player for us, a joy to have,” general manager Mike Elias said Monday night. “It was hard to let him go, but we've got to keep an eye on our strategic objectives, which is prioritize the future right now.”Villar was too expensive to keep around. He is eligible for arbitration and likely to earn about $10 million next year, so Elias opted to trade the 28-year-old as part of a more substantial teardown.“It makes a lot of sense and it’s something you have to do,” Elias said.The GM described Villar as “a guy who's going into his last year of arbitration with the team and facing free agency who is set to command a large salary with his play this year and year's past” — qualities... [More]

BALTIMORE (AP) — The rebuilding Baltimore Orioles further slashed their slim salary payroll by trading infielder Jonathan Villar to Miami on Monday for minor league pitcher Easton Lucas.Villar played in all 162 games this year and led the Orioles with 176 hits, five triples and 40 stolen bases.“He was a tremendously exciting player for us, a joy to have,” general manager Mike Elias said Monday night. “It was hard to let him go, but we've got to keep an eye on our strategic objectives, which is prioritize the future right now.”Villar was too expensive to keep around. He is eligible for arbitration and likely to earn about $10 million next year, so Elias opted to trade the 28-year-old as part of a more substantial teardown.“It makes a lot of sense and it’s something you have to do,” Elias said.The GM described Villar as “a guy who's going into his last year of arbitration with the team and facing free agency who is set to command a large salary with his play this year and year's past” — qualities... [More]