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Baseball Hall of Fame to have retired players in May 25 tribute to Negro Leagues All-Star Game
Read full article: Baseball Hall of Fame to have retired players in May 25 tribute to Negro Leagues All-Star GameKen Griffey Jr. and Ozzie Smith have agreed to manage or coach in a May 25 tribute to he Negro Leagues All-Star Game at the Hall of Fame’s Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York.
Dodgers have much to contemplate during long winter
Read full article: Dodgers have much to contemplate during long winterAfter winning 111 games in the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared on their way to fulfilling manager Dave Roberts' spring prediction of another World Series victory.
Kershaw, not Alcantara, to start All-Star Game for NL
Read full article: Kershaw, not Alcantara, to start All-Star Game for NLLos Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium since 1980, and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.
Toronto lefty Ray wins AL Cy Young, Brewers' Burnes takes NL
Read full article: Toronto lefty Ray wins AL Cy Young, Brewers' Burnes takes NLToronto left-hander Robbie Ray bounced back from a dismal season to win the AL Cy Young Award and Milwaukee righty Corbin Burnes returned from a bout of COVID-19 to win the NL’s top pitching prize.
LEADING OFF: Braves try again to eliminate Dodgers, reach WS
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Braves try again to eliminate Dodgers, reach WSFreddie Freeman and the Braves get another chance to earn a trip to the World Series when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series on Saturday night.
Masterful Webb pitches Giants past Dodgers in playoff opener
Read full article: Masterful Webb pitches Giants past Dodgers in playoff openerLogan Webb struck out 10 pitching masterfully in his postseason debut, Buster Posey hit a two-run homer that held up, and the 107-win San Francisco Giants blanked the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the opener of their NL Division Series.
Duggar triples, Giants hold off Dodgers 6-4 for NL West lead
Read full article: Duggar triples, Giants hold off Dodgers 6-4 for NL West leadSteven Duggar hit a tiebreaking two-run triple after being called up earlier in the day, Brandon Belt homered, and the San Francisco Giants wrapped up their key weekend series against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with a 6-4 win to take the NL West lead.
Dodgers beat Giants 6-1, move into tie for first in NL West
Read full article: Dodgers beat Giants 6-1, move into tie for first in NL WestTrea Turner and Corey Seager homered, Julio Urías won his seventh straight decision, and the Los Angeles Dodgers moved into a tie for first place with San Francisco atop the NL West Division with a 6-1 victory over the Giants.
Dodgers rally past Braves for sweep, Scherzer leaves after 6
Read full article: Dodgers rally past Braves for sweep, Scherzer leaves after 6Justin Turner and AJ Pollock singled home the tying and go-ahead runs through the same infield hole in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied past the Atlanta Braves 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep.
Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat Astros
Read full article: Scherzer Ks 10 in debut, Dodgers hit 4 HRs to beat AstrosMax Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Monster trade: Dodgers get Scherzer, Turner from Nationals
Read full article: Monster trade: Dodgers get Scherzer, Turner from NationalsThe World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have pulled off a monster deal for ace Max Scherzer and All-Star shortstop Trea Turner, getting the dynamic duo from the Washington Nationals shortly before Friday’s trade deadline.
Giants rally in 9th for 2nd straight night to beat Dodgers
Read full article: Giants rally in 9th for 2nd straight night to beat DodgersLaMonte Wade Jr. broke a ninth-inning tie with a two-run single and the San Francisco Giants rallied against closer Kenley Jansen again for a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Violence tests Biden's pullback from Middle East hotspots
Read full article: Violence tests Biden's pullback from Middle East hotspotsSurges in violence and scenes of civilian suffering are testing President Joe Biden’s resolve to wrench America’s foreign policy focus and troops away from the hotspots of the Middle East and Afghanistan.
Dodgers get HRs from Smith, Pujols in 3-2 win over D-backs
Read full article: Dodgers get HRs from Smith, Pujols in 3-2 win over D-backsWill Smith hit a tiebreaking, solo home run in the seventh inning, Albert Pujols slugged a two-run shot, his first for the Dodgers, and Los Angeles defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2.
Pujols delivers RBI in debut, Dodgers top Diamondbacks 3-1
Read full article: Pujols delivers RBI in debut, Dodgers top Diamondbacks 3-1Albert Pujols delivered an RBI single in his Dodgers debut, and Walker Buehler pitched seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball in Los Angeles’ 3-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
LEADING OFF: Minor league opening day, Dodgers' May needs TJ
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Minor league opening day, Dodgers' May needs TJFrom the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to the Tri-City Dust Devils, minor league teams are set to host opening day across the country following more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks.
Dodgers' May put on injured list, latest setback for staff
Read full article: Dodgers' May put on injured list, latest setback for staffLos Angeles Dodgers right-hander Dustin May has been put on the 10-day injured list with an arm ailment, the latest setback for the pitching staff of the World Series champions.
Seager's homer in 12th sends Dodgers to 11-6 win over Padres
Read full article: Seager's homer in 12th sends Dodgers to 11-6 win over PadresCorey Seager hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer on Tim Hill’s first pitch of the 12th inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 11-6 in a tense, entertaining first matchup this season between NL West rivals who have visions of deep playoff runs.
Price earns 1st regular-season save, Dodgers top Rockies 7-5
Read full article: Price earns 1st regular-season save, Dodgers top Rockies 7-5Justin Turner and Max Muncy each hit a three-run homer, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 7-5 as David Price earned his first regular-season save.
LEADING OFF: Jackie Robinson Day, Red Sox go for 10th in row
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Jackie Robinson Day, Red Sox go for 10th in rowAll players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear No. 42 on Thursday to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, marking the anniversary of the date the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Famer made his Major League Baseball debut and broke the sport’s color barrier in 1947.
Purr-fect night: Bauer wins LA debut, cat on field at Coors
Read full article: Purr-fect night: Bauer wins LA debut, cat on field at CoorsTrevor Bauer took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning in his Los Angeles debut before allowing a pair of two-run homers, and the Dodgers held on after building a big lead to beat the Colorado Rockies 11-6.
Bogaerts spring debut after shoulder woe, Tatis HR in return
Read full article: Bogaerts spring debut after shoulder woe, Tatis HR in returnOn that one, we are probably on the same page.”RED SOX 8, RAYS 2Garrett Richards struck out seven in four scoreless innings for Boston. ATHLETICS 5, PADRES 4Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the game with his second spring home run, a smashing return after missing six days with a non-virus bug. The 30-year-old left has pitched four scoreless innings this spring. BREWERS 8, CUBS 3 (7)Brandon Woodruff made his second start for Milwaukee, allowing five hits in two scoreless innings. BRAVES 8, TWINS 5Michael Pineda, who last pitched a full season in 2016, made his first spring start for Minnesota.
Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teams
Read full article: Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teamsThe reigning World Series champions already had a pair of Cy Young Award winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price. Darvish has twice finished runner-up for a Cy Young Award, including last season when he was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. Lester is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with Boston and once with the Cubs. He’s part of a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and lefty Patrick Corbin. Bradley was a Gold Glove winner in 2018 when the Red Sox won the World Series.
Price, Posey, MLBers who opted out for virus excited for '21
Read full article: Price, Posey, MLBers who opted out for virus excited for '21“It definitely crossed my mind,” Price said Friday from Dodgers spring training in Glendale, Arizona. Traded from Boston to the Dodgers last February, the 35-year-old Price pitched in spring exhibitions for LA before deciding to go home. Instead of playing, he did what many Americans have done with their unexpected time — he watched a lot of TV. “It’s a lot easier said than done to take a step away from something you’ve done your entire life. “Being away from it for that time was tough.”___AP Baseball Writer Janie McCauley and Sports Writer Beth Harris contributed.
NL Cy Young winner Bauer joins World Series champion Dodgers
Read full article: NL Cy Young winner Bauer joins World Series champion DodgersTrevor Bauer is coming home to pitch for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner announced his decision on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in a two-minute video posted to his Twitter account. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)LOS ANGELES – Trevor Bauer is coming home to pitch for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner announced his decision on Friday in a two-minute video posted to his Twitter account. He gives the club a third Cy Young winner, joining three-time winner Clayton Kershaw and 2012 winner Price.
AP Exclusive: MLB payrolls drop nearly $2.5B in pandemic
Read full article: AP Exclusive: MLB payrolls drop nearly $2.5B in pandemicRoberts isn't sure Turner or former All-Star pitcher David Price will play with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. The total had not been that low of the top spender since the New York Yankees in 2000 at $95.3 million. AL champion Tampa Bay was 28th at $29.4 million, ahead of only Pittsburgh ($24.1 million) and Baltimore ($23.5 million). Philadelphia was just under the tax threshold at $207.3 million and the Dodgers at $204.6 million. Boston dropped to $184.9 million after paying a Red Sox record $13.4 million luxury tax in 2019, when the team failed make the playoffs.
AP source: Red Sox to rehire Cora, manager from 2018 title
Read full article: AP source: Red Sox to rehire Cora, manager from 2018 titleThe Red Sox rehired Cora as manager Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, less than a year after letting him go because of his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal. Cora joined the Red Sox in November 2017 and led Boston to the 2018 World Series title after a franchise-record 108 regular-season wins. The fallout from the Astros investigation also cost Houston manager AJ Hinch and newly hired New York Mets manager Carlos Beltrán their jobs. Ron Roenicke, promoted from bench coach to Cora's replacement, was let go after the salary-shedding Red Sox stumbled to a last-place finish in the AL East. And the Red Sox have plenty of salary flexibility gained in the deal that sent Betts and Price to Los Angeles.
In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers
Read full article: In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)Joc Pederson is the guy the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t need or want — until October. After nearly being traded in February and hitting .190 in the regular season, Pederson is coming up big in the postseason. The left-handed slugger also homered in the Dodgers' losing efforts in the 2017 and 2018 World Series. He started in left in Games 1, 3 and 5 of the World Series. He's hitting .400 in the World Series, second on the team to red-hot Corey Seager, who's batting .471.
Total package: Betts paying off big for Dodgers in every way
Read full article: Total package: Betts paying off big for Dodgers in every wayLos Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts hits a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Mookie Betts slid headfirst across home plate, then popped up and did a double pump with his right fist. That big commitment to Betts is already paying off for the Los Angeles Dodgers this postseason. After run-saving catches in three consecutive potential elimination games to get the Dodgers this far, Betts put his speed, instincts and power on display in Game 1 of the World Series. You can really learn from that.”For all Betts is doing for the Dodgers this postseason, they're not even the only ones benefiting.
Betts, with another great grab, shows what Dodgers wanted
Read full article: Betts, with another great grab, shows what Dodgers wantedLos Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts robs Atlanta Braves' Marcell Ozuna of a home during the fifth inning in Game 6 of a baseball National League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. “I'm glad we had a right fielder out there, especially a special one like Mookie Betts,” Buehler said. “He just impacts the game in so many ways,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. His two-out, two-run double powered the Dodgers to a 3-0 win over Milwaukee that completed a first-round sweep. And now Betts and the Dodgers are one win from the World Series.
Kershaw falters again in playoffs, pushing Dodgers to brink
Read full article: Kershaw falters again in playoffs, pushing Dodgers to brink(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Clayton Kershaw can't shake his postseason curse, not even in a neutral-site NL Championship Series a few miles from his hometown. If the Hall of Fame is in his future, Kershaw won't be alone among star pitchers who struggled in the playoffs. Greg Maddux was 11-14 in the playoffs, most of those decisions when Atlanta won just one World Series during a run of 14 straight NL East titles. Kershaw now has 11 career postseason starts of allowing at least four runs, tied with Maddux for the second-most. Ozuna's first homer in Game 4 was the 27th Kershaw has allowed in the playoffs, breaking a tie with Justin Verlander for second-most, also behind Pettitte (31).
Pandemic playoffs: Brewers, Astros in despite losing records
Read full article: Pandemic playoffs: Brewers, Astros in despite losing recordsMembers of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in a baseball game to earn a playoff birth Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in St. Louis. That’s when the Brewers, at 29-31, open their series against Los Angeles ace Walker Buehler at Dodger Stadium. In a win-and-you’re-in game, St. Louis clinched by beating Milwaukee 5-2. That’s how you see it,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. St. Louis played a total of 58 games — it was prepared for a doubleheader in Detroit on Monday if needed to settle the playoff picture.
Roenicke fired by Red Sox after 1 pandemic-shortened season
Read full article: Roenicke fired by Red Sox after 1 pandemic-shortened season(AP Photo/Elise Amendola, file)ATLANTA – Ron Roenicke waited five years after his previous managerial job for another opportunity. The Red Sox told Roenicke before the final game of the season on Sunday that he will not be back in 2021, ending his tenure as a one-year, shotgun stopgap for a pandemic-shortened season with a last-place finish in the AL East. It’s baseball,” Roenicke said after the Red Sox beat Atlanta 9-1 to wind up 24-36. The Red Sox went on to win the finale; afterward, the team said their goodbyes in the visitor's clubhouse. With Cora gone, the Red Sox promoted Roenicke from bench coach to interim manager.
Chris Sale rehabbing the best he can for Red Sox
Read full article: Chris Sale rehabbing the best he can for Red SoxWith an arm repaired by Tommy John surgery and a pandemic locking him out of the Red Sox spring training facility, Boston left-hander Chris Sale is managing his rehab the best he can. The team has moved some weights into an outdoor batting cage, which Sale also uses as a locker room. In fact, he hasnt even been allowed inside the teams spring training facility. And my training room and my locker room." But Sale said being away from the team has allowed him to focus on his rehab.
AP study: MLB average salary under $1.3M; Scherzer tops list
Read full article: AP study: MLB average salary under $1.3M; Scherzer tops listWashington pitcher Max Scherzer topped the shortened seasons list at $17.8 million, his income partially protected by a huge signing bonus. Salaries averaged $1,295,942 on expanded opening-day rosters after prorated pay was factored in, according to the AP study. Scherzers $210 million, seven-year contract includes a $50 million signing bonus baseball signing bonuses are distinct from salaries and not subject to reduction. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was second on the opening day list at $16.3 million, boosted by a $23 million signing bonus. It would have projected to $4,144,328 with an active limit of 28 and $4,386,353 at 26, which would have been up 0.2% from last years AP study average of $4,375,486.
Scherzer exits; Porcello gets 150th win, Mets top Soto, Nats
Read full article: Scherzer exits; Porcello gets 150th win, Mets top Soto, NatsWashington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Porcello (1-1) went seven innings, allowing one run and five hits and retiring the last 10 batters he faced. Scherzer threw 99 pitches on opening day against the Yankees, then an MLB season-high 112 in his next start. WHAT A STEALIn his Mets debut, CF Billy Hamilton stole his first base of 2020 and 300th of his career. Nationals: After Thursday's fifth day off in a week, they start a three-game series Friday against visiting Baltimore.
Leading Off: Phillies end layoff, visit Judge, Cole, Yankees
Read full article: Leading Off: Phillies end layoff, visit Judge, Cole, YankeesPhiladelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi, left, talks with Bryce Harper, right, prior to a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, July 24, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)A look at what's happening around the majors today:BACK TO WORKThe Philadelphia Phillies face a difficult assignment in their long-awaited return to action. Although the Phillies didnt have any players test positive, their games last week were postponed as a cautionary measure. The Phillies got to work out again Saturday, and now come back from a weeklong layoff to face Gerrit Cole and the AL East-leading New York Yankees on the road. MISSING MANAGERThe Cleveland Indians likely will be missing manager Terry Francona for a second straight game when they visit Cincinnati.
LEADING OFF: Reds-Tigers debut MLB's 7-inning doubleheaders
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Reds-Tigers debut MLB's 7-inning doubleheadersShortened doubleheaders are about to make their Major League Baseball debut. Baseball could see an unusually high number of doubleheaders due to positive coronavirus tests causing postponements, plus rainouts. I think thats a good rule change especially with the pitchers going down every day, Houston manager Dusty Baker said. The Angels expect to have Ohtani start their Sunday games this season. KERSHAWS BACKDodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is set to make his season debut when he faces the Diamondbacks at Arizona.
Manfred confident MLB can get through playoffs despite virus
Read full article: Manfred confident MLB can get through playoffs despite virusThe virus also prompted at least two more players to opt out Saturday: Brewers All-Star outfielder Lorenzo Cain and Miami second baseman Isan Daz. I dont think its realistic to think that were not going to have any more positive tests, Manfred said. After two St. Louis players tested positive, the whole Cardinals team was given rapids tests Friday and saliva samples were sent to an MLB laboratory. Thats why we were reluctant to get into scheduling a bunch of doubleheaders just to play more games, Manfred said. In addition, Manfred says players and coaches should take advantage of the open seats in the stands near the dugouts and bullpens in order to spread out.
Red Sox's Rodriguez awaits test on COVID-related heart issue
Read full article: Red Sox's Rodriguez awaits test on COVID-related heart issueBOSTON Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez said he is awaiting results of additional testing after doctors recently discovered an issue with his heart they believe is a result of his recent bout with COVID-19. The 27-year-old left-hander tested positive for the coronavirus before the start of summer camp, but was cleared and returned to workouts on July 18. He hasnt had another positive coronavirus test, but said an MRI revealed a condition called myocarditis, that the teams medical staff felt was serious enough to shut him down for at least a week. That's why the doctors tell me to just take a week, just rest, don't let your heart get too much heart rate, he said. Rodriguez is unsure of how long it will take for him to be ready to pitch in a game.
Cobb strong in return to mound, Orioles beat Red Sox 7-2
Read full article: Cobb strong in return to mound, Orioles beat Red Sox 7-2Baltimore Orioles' Alex Cobb pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)BOSTON Anthony Santander and Renato Nez each drove in two runs and the Baltimore Orioles held off the Boston Red Sox 7-2 on Saturday to even their season-opening series. Prez (0-1) lasted just five innings in his Red Sox debut, giving up five runs on six hits and walking two. The Red Sox were just 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position, stranding 10 runners on base. Red Sox: Right-hander Ryan Weber made his first opening day roster this season after beginning the last four in Triple-A.
Hernandez 5 RBIs, Dodgers beat Giants 8-1 in fan-less opener
Read full article: Hernandez 5 RBIs, Dodgers beat Giants 8-1 in fan-less opener(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES Kik Hernndez homered and drove in five runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the rival San Francisco Giants 8-1 in a fan-less ballpark as baseballs shortened season opened on Thursday night. Betts struck out swinging in his first at-bat a day after signing a $365 million deal over 12 years. Justin Turner grounded into a fielder's choice and Betts beat a throw to the plate to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the seventh. Betts struck out with the bases loaded to end a five-run inning that made it 6-1. PREGAME CEREMONYThe Giants and Dodgers held a black ribbon that wound along the baselines in a show of unity after pregame introductions.
Betts will not receive all money from Dodgers until 2044
Read full article: Betts will not receive all money from Dodgers until 2044Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts lines out to center field during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)Mookie Betts will not receive all of his money from his $365 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers until he is approaching his 52nd birthday in 2044, according to contract details obtained by The Associated Press. If he is traded, though, the deferrals would be eliminated and the money would be due in each season the contract covers. Because Betts is not a California resident, that money will not be subject to state income tax in California, which has a top marginal rate of 12.3%. His new deal is baseballs second-largest in total dollars behind the $426.5 million, 12-year contract for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout covering 2019-30.
Red Sox shut down Rodriguez after coronavirus setback
Read full article: Red Sox shut down Rodriguez after coronavirus setbackBOSTON Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will be shut down from all baseball activities for at least a week after he experienced a setback in his return from COVID-19. Manager Ron Roenicke said Thursday that Rodriguez, who tested positive for the coronavirus before the start of summer camp, hasnt had another positive test. But he didnt arrive in Boston for summer camp until Saturday, leaving him well behind in his throwing program for the start of the season. In his first public comments at camp, Rodriguez said Sunday that his bout with the coronavirus had left him feeling 100 years old. It took him about 10 days before he was able to do any light throwing. Though there isnt a timeline for Rodriguez's return, Roenicke said he is confident the lefty will pitch again this season.
LEADING OFF: Opening day in DC, Dodger Stadium amid pandemic
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Opening day in DC, Dodger Stadium amid pandemicLater, Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw takes on the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. This opening day doubleheader begins the most unusual year in the history of Major League Baseball. MLB players can put a patch with Black Lives Matter or United For Change on a jersey sleeve during opening day. The 27-year-old Betts helped beat the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series when he was the AL MVP for Boston. The six-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion and 2012 NL MVP and his wife have adopted twin identical girls who were born prematurely.
Opening day amid virus: Masked men, empty parks, odd sounds
Read full article: Opening day amid virus: Masked men, empty parks, odd soundsDHs in the National League, well, OK. An automatic runner on second to start the 10th inning? If this is what its going to be, this is whats going to be, Scherzer said. Four months after the games were supposed to start, strange ball is better than no ball, right? Opening day brings a tasty doubleheader: a marquee pitching matchup in Washington, followed by the nightcap at Dodger Stadium when Clayton Kershaw taking on the San Francisco Giants. Is it going to be perfect the very first day? As manager Bob Melvin said.
Betts gets $365M, 12-year deal with Dodgers through 2032
Read full article: Betts gets $365M, 12-year deal with Dodgers through 2032Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts lines out to center field during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers struck baseball's first big-money deal since the coronavirus pandemic decimated the sport's economics, a $365 million, 12-year contract on Wednesday through 2032 that removes the top offensive player from next offseason's free-agent class. Betts had agreed to a $27 million, one-year deal with the Red Sox, a salary that has been reduced to $10 million in prorated pay because of the shortened season. His deal is baseball's second-largest in total dollars behind the $426.5 million, 12-year contract for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout covering 2019-30. Betts' average salary of $30.42 million trails Gerrit Cole ($36 million), Trout ($35.5 million), Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon ($35 million each), Zack Greinke ($34.4 million), Justin Verlander $31.3 million), and new teammates Price and Clayton Kershaw ($31 million each).
AP sources: About 10 MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns
Read full article: AP sources: About 10 MLB umpires opt out over virus concerns(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)About 10 Major League Baseball umpires have opted out this season, choosing not to work games in the shortened schedule because of concerns over the coronavirus. There are 76 full-time MLB umpires and more than 20 of them are age 55 or over. A deal between MLB and its umpires reached during the virus shutdown ensured that if even one regular-season game was played this season, the umps were guaranteed 37.5% of their salaries. Minus 10 or more MLB umpires, many Triple-A umps will work the two-month season. Just as MLB redrew the schedule amid the virus outbreak, umpires are certain to see a shift, too.
Cardinals reliever Hicks opts out of playing; has diabetes
Read full article: Cardinals reliever Hicks opts out of playing; has diabetesSt. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks throws off the mound during baseball practice at Busch Stadium Friday, July 3, 2020, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns. Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh. We respect and understand Jordans decision to opt out this season, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said. Carlos Martinez led St. Louis with 24 saves last season, posting his first save on June 1.
Posey out for 2020 as MLB teams deal with churning rosters
Read full article: Posey out for 2020 as MLB teams deal with churning rostersPosey a six-time All-Star and 2012 NL MVP said his family finalized the adoption of identical twin girls this week. Holt has a young family and his wife is pregnant, but he decided to leave them at home while he went to Milwaukee for the next three months. First baseman and team leader Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith, right-hander Touki Toussaint and infielder Pete Kozma tested positive for coronavirus. Epstein said two coaches tested positive prior to the intake process. A front office member tested positive during the intake.
Safe at home? Off-field behavior will be decisive for MLB
Read full article: Safe at home? Off-field behavior will be decisive for MLBBehavior away from the ballpark will be a big factor in determining whether Major League Baseball's attempt to salvage the 2020 season can succeed. And as Major League Baseball attempts to salvage the 2020 season, behavior away from the ballpark will help determine the outcome. Just like on the field, success will depend on how many players are safe at home. There's also worry regarding what happens when players are away from work and beyond whatever bubble can be created at the ballpark. Theyre in a sense bullet-proof, Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.
MLB releases pandemic-shortened schedule amid testing delays
Read full article: MLB releases pandemic-shortened schedule amid testing delaysThe steady stream of players testing positive and opting out is leading to a growing unease that the full season might not be played. Theres a ton of players out there quoted saying this, but it almost feels like youre waiting on bad news, right? Youre waiting for travel restrictions to be shut down across the nation. Youre waiting for a second wave, where things become unplayable and sports take a backseat. MLB said it addressed delays caused by the holiday weekend, doesnt expect them to continue and commended teams for canceling workouts.
Braves 'ultimate pro' OF Nick Markakis opts out of season
Read full article: Braves 'ultimate pro' OF Nick Markakis opts out of seasonATLANTA Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season on Monday due to increased concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Markakis is the second Atlanta veteran in two days to announce plans to sit out the 60-game season. Just hearing him, the way he sounded on the phone, it was tough, Markakis said. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also will sit out the season. Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall were joined by rookies Cristian Pache and Drew Waters in the outfield competition.
King Flix opts out of MLB season, Doolittle on fence
Read full article: King Flix opts out of MLB season, Doolittle on fenceThe decision came a day after Snitker announced that four-time All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, premier reliever Will Smith and two other Atlanta players tested positive for the virus. Reliever Brett Martin tested positive on intake and allowed the Rangers to disclose that Friday. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said outfielder Socrates Brito and pitcher Blake Cederlind tested positive for the coronavirus and allowed their names to be released. Seven players have tested positive, including the players who forced the shutdown of the teams spring training complex a few weeks ago. The Chicago White Sox said two players tested positive and are asymptomatic.
Tough day for MLB: Price out, Freeman positive, Tanaka hurt
Read full article: Tough day for MLB: Price out, Freeman positive, Tanaka hurt(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)Freddie Freeman tests positive for COVID-19. Due to concerns about medical privacy laws, MLB isnt making a practice of disclosing which players test positive. For example, Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said the team doesnt intend to reveal to the general public if anyone has tested positive. In the Braves case, the four players who tested positive permitted Snitker to reveal their names. Freeman joins Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon as four-time All-Stars who have tested positive.
Torkelson, Martin, Lacy lead list of top MLB draft prospects
Read full article: Torkelson, Martin, Lacy lead list of top MLB draft prospects(AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)NEW YORK Major League Baseball's amateur draft begins Wednesday night with the first of a pandemic-shortened five rounds. (TENNESSEE) (6-2, 195, 18)Lefty-hitting Hassell is considered by many to be the best pure hitter among high school players. 1 overall, which would make him the first college first baseman to lead off a draft. Undrafted in high school, Torkelson has power to all fields with a powerful right-handed swing and a great eye and patience at the plate. (FLORIDA) (6-4, 190, 18)Arguably the top overall high school player in the draft, with tantalizing five-tools talent.
Dodgers' David Price throws money toward minor leaguers' pay
Read full article: Dodgers' David Price throws money toward minor leaguers' payLOS ANGELES Minor league players in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization will be getting something extra in their paychecks courtesy of star pitcher David Price. He will give $1,000 each to 220 minor leaguers as a goodwill gesture, a team spokesman said Saturday. Price has yet to play a regular-season game for the Dodgers because the start of the season has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. He was set to earn $32 million this season, with the Red Sox paying $16 millon of that. However, his pay will be determined by whether MLB and the players reach an agreement to play this season.