PHOENIX (AP) — Major League Baseball hasn't always been at the forefront of the social justice movement in recent years, with leagues like the NBA and NFL usually taking center stage.But in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis — and because of the quirks of a coronavirus-altered sports schedule — baseball is in the position of having the American sports world largely to itself for the next week.Even before Thursday's opening day, players and coaches in the sport are taking a more active approach to supporting racial justice.Among the examples: San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler and several players kneeling during the national anthem before an exhibition game and several Dodgers — including NL MVP Cody Bellinger and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw — speaking out about racial injustice in a video message.“I wanted to demonstrate my dissatisfaction with our clear systemic racism in our country and I wanted them (players) to know that they got to make their own... [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 AvilánHe'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]

NEW YORK (AP) — Left-hander Stephen Tarpley was traded from the New York Yankees to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday for third baseman James Nelson and $50,000 payable on Feb. 15.Tarpley was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Saturday to clear a roster spot when outfielder Brett Gardner's contract was finalized. The 26-year-old Tarpley was 1-0 with two saves and a 5.88 ERA last year in one start and 30 relief appearances. He was acquired by the Yankees in the 2016 trade that sent right-hander Iván Nova to Pittsburgh.Nelson, 22, was a 15th-round draft pick in 2016 and hit .228 with 13 doubles, four homers and 36 RBIs in 121 games last season for Class A Jupiter of the Florida State League.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Left-hander Stephen Tarpley was traded from the New York Yankees to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday for third baseman James Nelson and cash.Tarpley was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Saturday to clear a roster spot when outfielder Brett Gardner's contract was finalized. The 26-year-old Tarpley was 1-0 with two saves and a 5.88 ERA last year in one start and 30 relief appearances. He was acquired by the Yankees in the 2016 trade that sent right-hander Iván Nova to Pittsburgh.Nelson, 22, was a 15th-round draft pick in 2016 and hit .228 with 13 doubles, four homers and 36 RBIs in 121 games last season for Class A Jupiter of the Florida State League.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees finalized his $12.5 million, one-year contract on Saturday.New York agreed to the deal Dec. 13 during the winter meetings, and the 36-year-old took a physical on Tuesday. His addition, following last month's $324 million, nine-year contract with pitcher Gerrit Cole, raised the Yankees' projected luxury tax payroll to about $248 million — the threshold where the highest luxury tax rate starts.Gardner gets a $2 million signing bonus payable Jan. 30 and an $8 million salary for next season. The Yankees have a $10 million option for 2021 with a $2.5 million buyout.New York opened a roster spot by designating left-hander Stephen Tarpley for assignment.Gardner earned $7.5 million last season plus a $2 million buyout after New York declined his $12.5 million option for 2019 under his previous contract. He hit .251 and set career highs with 28 homers and 74 RBIs, a rare left-handed bat in a Yankees lineup dominated by right-handed hitters.Gardner is the senior member of the Yankees, having spent his entire 12-year big league career in the Bronx. He has a .260 average, 124 homers and 524 RBIs.He is expected to see time in center field during the first half of the season while Aaron Hicks recovers from offseason Tommy John surgery, then shift back to left when Hicks returns.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees finalized his $12.5 million, one-year contract on Saturday.New York agreed to the deal Dec. 13 during the winter meetings, and the 36-year-old took a physical on Tuesday. His addition, following last month's $324 million, nine-year contract with pitcher Gerrit Cole, raised the Yankees' projected luxury tax payroll to about $248 million — the threshold where the highest luxury tax rate starts.Gardner gets a $2 million signing bonus and an $8 million salary for next season. The Yankees have a $10 million option for 2021 with a $2.5 million buyout.New York opened a roster spot by designating left-hander Stephen Tarpley for assignment.Gardner earned $7.5 million last season plus a $2 million buyout after New York declined his $12.5 million option for 2019 under his previous contract. He hit .251 and set career highs with 28 homers and 74 RBIs, a rare left-handed bat in a Yankees lineup dominated by right-handed hitters.Gardner is the senior member of the Yankees, having spent his entire 12-year big league career in the Bronx. He has a .260 average, 124 homers and 524 RBIs.He is expected to see time in center field during the first half of the season while Aaron Hicks recovers from offseason Tommy John surgery, then shift back to left when Hicks returns.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Slumping first baseman Luke Voit was picked over rookie Mike Ford for the New York Yankees' AL Division Series roster against Minnesota because he provides a potential right-handed bat off the bench in the late innings.Minnesota chose three players who had been hurt of late: center fielder Max Kepler and infielders Luis Arráez and Ehire Adrianza.New York also selected speedy and versatile Tyler Wade for the series, which started Friday night. Wade can play second base, third, shortstop, outfield, and pinch run or be a defensive replacement.Voit struggled in his return from a sports hernia, ending the season hitless in his last 12 at-bats and in a 1-for-33 slide, leaving him with a .263 batting average, 21 homers and 71 RBIs. Ford hit .259 with 12 homers and 25 RBIs, including .379 with eight homers and 17 RBIs from Aug. 17 on.Yankees manager Aaron Boone viewed Voit as a better potential pinch-hitting option against Twins closer Taylor Rogers, who is left-handed, than the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Versatile Tyler Wade was included on the New York Yankees' AL Division Series roster while slumping first baseman Luke Voit made it over rookie Mike Ford.Minnesota chose three players who had been hurt of late: center fielder Max Kepler and infielders Luis Arráez and Ehire Adrianza.The series starts Friday night at Yankee Stadium.Wade, who can play outfield, second, shortstop and third, can pinch run or be a defensive replacement.Voit struggled in his return from a sports hernia, ending season hitless in his last 12 at-bats and 1 for 33, leaving him with a .263 average, 21 homers and 71 RBIs. Ford hit .259 with 12 homers and 25 RBIs, including .379 with eight homers and 17 RBIs from Aug. 17 on.Yankees manager Aaron Boone views the right-handed-hitting Voit as a better potential pinch-hitting option against Twins closer Taylor Rogers, who is left-handed, than the left-handed hitting Ford."Looking at it from an off-the-bench situation, there's not a lot of our righties that... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — New nameplates greeted Yankees players in their clubhouse ahead of the Division Series against Minnesota: "OCTOBER SAVAGES" is spelled out under each number, a reference to manager Aaron Boone's famous tirade at an umpire in July.As players worked out at Yankee Stadium on a summer-like Wednesday, Boone maintained many roster decisions have yet to be made."First, we'll go through the 13th pitcher and then what makes the most sense as far as what gives us the best option off the bench," Boone said before the workout. "We'll meet as a staff after the workout and hopefully finalize whether it's 12 or 13."Edwin Encarnación, who hasn't played since Sept. 12 because of a strained left oblique, appears set to return. The 36-year-old hit in a simulated game for the second straight day and homered off left-hander Jordan Montgomery."I think yesterday was a little confidence-builder for him as far as the ability to let it go and then coming in today feeling like he's ready," Boone said.Encarnación... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — New nameplates greeted Yankees players in their clubhouse ahead of the Division Series against Minnesota: "OCTOBER SAVAGES" is spelled out under each number, a reference to manager Aaron Boone's famous tirade at an umpire in July.As players worked out at Yankee Stadium on a summer-like Wednesday, Boone maintained many roster decisions have yet to be made."First, we'll go through the 13th pitcher and then what makes the most sense as far as what gives us the best option off the bench," Boone said before the workout. "We'll meet as a staff after the workout and hopefully finalize whether it's 12 or 13."Edwin Encarnación, who hasn't played since Sept. 12 because of a strained left oblique, appears set to return. The 36-year-old hit in a simulated game for the second straight day and homered off left-hander Jordan Montgomery."I think yesterday was a little confidence-builder for him as far as the ability to let it go and then coming in today feeling like he's ready," Boone said.Encarnación... [More]

TORONTO (AP) — All-Star infielder Gleyber Torres is back in the New York Yankees' lineup for Sunday's series finale at Toronto after sitting out the past four games because of an unspecified core injury.Torres went to a hospital for treatment last Sunday, then served as New York's designated hitter against the Orioles the following day. He started at second base Tuesday, but was removed in the third inning and hasn't played since.Torres took batting practice and fielded grounders before Saturday's game, then flashed a thumbs-up to manager Aaron Boone as he returned to the clubhouse. The two-time All-Star is batting .281 with 23 homers and 62 RBI. He'll bat sixth and play shortstop, giving regular Didi Gregorius a day off.Also Sunday, the Yankees put left-hander Stephen Tarpley on the 10-day injured list because of a left shoulder impingement. Infielder Breyvic Valera was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Tarpley is the 17th Yankees player currently on the injured list. In all,... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The New York Yankees have put outfielder Bret Gardner on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation.The move was retroactive to Monday. Gardner has batted .243 with 15 homers and 41 RBIs this season. Gardner said he hurt the knee while making a sliding catch on Colorado's Ryan McMahon in the ninth inning Saturday.To fill his spot on the roster, the Yankees recalled left-hander Stephen Tarpley from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Gardner is the 23rd Yankees player to go on the IL this year, three more than they put on the disabled list in all of last season.___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:THE REPLACEMENTSJosé Berríos will fill in for fellow Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi in the All-Star Game. Odorizzi left Tuesday's game in Oakland with a blister on his right middle finger and was headed for the injured list. Hunter Pence was replaced by Boston's Xander Bogaerts.Pence has been out since June 16 with a right groin strain and was pulled off his rehab assignment Tuesday after aggravating the injury during a minor league game. Brandon Lowe was set to replace Tommy La Stella on the AL squad. But Lowe's status also is questionable because of a right leg injury. Lowe also fouled a ball off his leg and left a game Tuesday night.TRADITIONAL STARTERSThe AL East-leading New York Yankees and second-place Tampa Bay start a four-game series in Florida on Thursday night and neither team is scheduled to use an opener.The Rays have done it 28 times, while Yankees right-hander Chad Green has filled the role seven times and left-hander... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:THE REPLACEMENTSJosé Berríos will fill in for fellow Minnesota right-hander Jake Odorizzi in the All-Star Game. Odorizzi left Tuesday's game in Oakland with a blister on his right middle finger and was headed for the injured list. Hunter Pence was replaced by Boston's Xander Bogaerts.Pence has been out since June 16 with a right groin strain and was pulled off his rehab assignment Tuesday after aggravating the injury during a minor league game. Brandon Lowe was set to replace Tommy La Stella on the AL squad. But Lowe's status also is questionable because of a right leg injury. Lowe also fouled a ball off his leg and left a game Tuesday night.TRADITIONAL STARTERSThe AL East-leading New York Yankees and second-place Tampa Bay start a four-game series in Florida on Thursday night and neither team is scheduled to use an opener.The Rays have done it 28 times, while Yankees right-hander Chad Green has filled the role seven times and left-hander... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Kendrys Morales has been cut by the New York Yankees.The veteran designated hitter and first baseman was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and designated for assignment. New York also recalled left-hander Stephen Tarpley from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.Tarpley replaces struggling reliever Jonathan Holder in the bullpen. Holder was optioned to Triple-A after Monday night's 10-8 victory over Toronto.Morales, who turned 36 last week, was acquired May 14 from Oakland for a player to be named or cash. At the time, an injury-depleted Yankees team was looking for someone who could provide pop and temporary help at DH and first base. But since then, Edwin Encarnación was obtained from Seattle and Giancarlo Stanton came off the injured list — along with several other Yankees regulars. Morales became expendable.The switch-hitter from Cuba batted .177 with a homer and five RBIs in 19 games for the Yankees. He got three hits against the Mets in his last game June 11 but was placed on the injured list two days later with a strained left calf.Morales is a .265 career hitter with 213 home runs in 13 major league seasons.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees could get Giancarlo Stanton back next week after the slugger was shelved by a series of injuries, and Aaron Judge also is getting closer after being sidelined by a strained left oblique.Stanton is taking his minor league rehab assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for its weekend series at Durham. He homered twice for Class A Tampa on Wednesday night.If Stanton gets through this weekend with no problems, New York manager Aaron Boone said he could be activated before Tuesday's game at home against Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old Stanton hasn't played for the Yankees since March 31 because of biceps, shoulder and calf injuries."He's feeling really well," Boone said before Thursday night's 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox. "I spoke to him about an hour ago, but even the conversations I've had with him in the last few days leading up this where I can tell he's just physically in a really good place."Judge hasn't played for New York since April 20. But... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees could get Giancarlo Stanton back next week after the slugger was shelved by a series of injuries, and Aaron Judge also is getting closer after being sidelined by a strained left oblique.Stanton is taking his minor league rehab assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for its weekend series at Durham. He homered twice for Class A Tampa on Wednesday night.If Stanton gets through this weekend with no problems, New York manager Aaron Boone said he could be activated before Tuesday's game at home against Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old Stanton hasn't played for the Yankees since March 31 because of biceps, shoulder and calf injuries."He's feeling really well," Boone said before Thursday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. "I spoke to him about an hour ago, but even the conversations I've had with him in the last few days leading up this where I can tell he's just physically in a really good place."Judge hasn't played for New York since April 20. But... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees could get Giancarlo Stanton back next week after the slugger was shelved by a series of injuries, and Aaron Judge also is getting closer after being sidelined by a strained left oblique.Stanton is taking his minor league rehab assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for its weekend series at Durham. He homered twice for Class A Tampa on Wednesday night.If Stanton gets through this weekend with no problems, New York manager Aaron Boone said he could be activated before Tuesday's game at home against Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old Stanton hasn't played for the Yankees since March 31 because of biceps, shoulder and calf injuries."He's feeling really well," Boone said before Thursday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. "I spoke to him about an hour ago, but even the conversations I've had with him in the last few days leading up this where I can tell he's just physically in a really good place."Judge hasn't played for New York since April 20. But... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The New York Yankees have placed Kendrys Morales on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain.Morales is the 20th player to go on the IL this year for New York, matching its total for the entire 2018 season. The first baseman/designated hitter had three hits in the Yankees' 12-5 victory over the Mets on Tuesday but did not play in the second half of the doubleheader.The Yankees also recalled outfielder Mike Tauchman and left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr. before Thursday night's game against the Chicago White Sox. They had an open roster spot after lefty Stephen Tarpley was sent down Wednesday.Morales, who turns 36 next Thursday, was acquired in a May 15 trade with Oakland. He is batting .177 with a homer and five RBIs in 19 games with New York.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — There's a valid reason for Domingo Germán's recent struggles.The New York Yankees placed the right-hander on the injured list with a left hip flexor, an injury that has bothered him for a few weeks but he didn't disclose to the team until Saturday.Germán became the 19th Yankees player on the IL this season, one shy of last year's total for the entire season.He has an 8.59 ERA in his past three starts, a span in which he has given up seven homers in 14 2/3 innings. He was touched for two homers, including a two-run, tiebreaker by Carlos Santana in the sixth inning Friday in a 5-2 loss that denied Germán his 10th win."The first I heard of it was yesterday after he got done playing catch here," said manager Aaron Bone, adding Germán said he initially felt discomfort during a start in Kansas City on May 26.In that game, Germán gave up seven runs and nine hits in five innings — his worst start by far this season.Boone said he wasn't mad at Germán for keeping his injury private."It's... [More]