José Abreu, Trea Turner among key players in new spots
March 27, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Baseball begins again on Thursday with opening day. For some players and managers, it's also their first regular-season game with a new team.
Here is a closer look at a couple people in new places who could have a big impact this year:
Sunday’s Transactions
March 27, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Braves rookies get rotation spots with Wright headed to IL
March 26, 2023 GMTNORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Braves will open the season with two rookie left-handers in their rotation while giving right-hander Kyle Wright more time to prepare for his first start.
Wright was told Sunday he would start the season on the 15-day injured list.
Free Agent Signings
March 26, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The 147 free agents who have signed, with name, position, former club if different, and contract. The contract information was obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources.
Saturday’s Transactions
March 26, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Yanks pitcher Severino has lat strain, likely to start on IL
March 26, 2023 GMTThe New York Yankees could be opening the season without three-fifths of their projected starting rotation.
Right-hander Luis Severino has a low-grade lat strain, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Saturday, putting the two-time All-Star at risk of starting the season on the injured list.
Renamed Horseshoe to host Poker World Series on Vegas Strip
March 25, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — A name paired with poker and Las Vegas lore now has a place on the neon-lit Strip following the rebranding of an iconic hotel with a memorable history at a crossroads shared with some of the most recognizable casinos in the world.
Friday’s Transactions
March 25, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Ohtani returns to Angels camp, fans 8 in minor league game
March 25, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — It was back to business as usual for Shohei Ohtani on Friday.
The two-way star returned to Los Angeles Angels camp after his MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic. Three days after striking out Mike Trout to clinch the WBC title for Japan against the United States in Miami, Ohtani was on the back fields in Tempe, pitching in a minor league game against some Arizona Diamondbacks farmhands.
Cardinals sign pitcher Miles Mikolas to $55.75M, 3-year deal
March 24, 2023 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — Miles Mikolas is sticking with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The right-hander signed a $55.75 million, three-year contract on Friday that will carry through the 2025 season.
The new deal replaces a $68 million, four-year contract signed in February 2019 that covered the 2020-23 seasons and was set to pay $15.75 million this year.
Big league pitchers can use PitchCom for signals this year
March 24, 2023 GMTBig league pitchers can signal electronically what they plan to throw this year.
Major League Baseball expanded use of the PitchCom device to pitchers in addition to catchers on Friday.
“Use of the PitchCom device is optional for clubs and wholly voluntary for players,” MLB said in a memo to teams.
Nola vs. deGrom, Ohtani highlight MLB’s opening-day matchups
March 24, 2023 GMTThe Texas Rangers aren't wasting any time in seeing what they have in Jacob deGrom.
The ace right-hander, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in the offseason, will face Philadelphia's Aaron Nola when the 2023 Major League Baseball season opens next Thursday.
New this week: ‘Rye Lane,’ ‘Tetris,’ ‘Riverdale’ and Chlöe
March 24, 2023 GMTHere’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music and video game platforms this week.
MOVIES
— Romantic comedy fans would do well to make an evening around “Rye Lane,” a Sundance Film Festival breakout that arrives on Hulu on Friday, March 31.
NL West Preview: Padres eager to take title from Dodgers
March 24, 2023 GMTThe San Diego Padres sure don't feel like little brother anymore to the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers.
Buoyed by a stunning victory against the 111-win Dodgers in the NL Division Series and owner Peter Seidler's fearless offseason spending, the Padres are poised to make a run at the NL West title as well as a World Series crown that has always been out of reach.
NL East Preview: Braves, Phillies, Mets to duke it out again
March 24, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The National League East made a strong argument as the majors' toughest division in 2022 and lines up as perhaps even better this season.
The NL East boasted two 101-win teams — the Atlanta Braves, who won their fifth consecutive division title, and the New York Mets.
AL West Preview: Can Ohtani, Angels unseat the Astros?
March 24, 2023 GMTOnce Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout for an epic finish to the World Baseball Classic, the former AL MVPs quickly returned to being teammates again for what could be their last chance together to lead the Los Angeles Angels to the playoffs.
AL Central Preview: Guards try defending lackluster division
March 24, 2023 GMTGuardians ace Shane Bieber was musing about Cleveland manager Terry Francona's importance to the club earlier this spring when he made a somewhat surprising acknowledgement of what baseball's youngest team had done a year ago.
AL East Preview: Judge, Yankees lead MLB’s deepest division
March 24, 2023 GMTFrom 1998-2003, the five AL East teams finished in the exact same order every season. Back then, the New York Yankees were dominant, the Boston Red Sox were contenders and everyone else was left chasing those teams — and that remained the status quo for a while.
Trevor Bauer, shunned by MLB, introduced by Japanese team
March 24, 2023 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — The Trevor Bauer era in Japan began Friday at an introductory news conference, where he pulled a blue and white Yokohama DeNA BayStars jersey over a white shirt and red tie.
Thursday’s Transactions
March 24, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Hoskins’ knee torn; Wainwright, Iglesias out as openers near
March 24, 2023 GMTA trio of NL pennant hopefuls are suddenly dealing with injuries to some pretty important players.
The Philadelphia Phillies lost slugging first baseman Rhys Hoskins on Thursday when he damaged his left knee fielding a grounder in a spring training game.
Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time
March 23, 2023 GMTCLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.
Inflategate? Bouncy basketballs hot topic at March Madness
March 23, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Players and coaches in the NCAA Tournament may be breathing life into a new controversy: Inflategate.
After last weekend's first and second-round games were plagued by low shooting percentages from 3-point range, murmurs began about whether slick or excessively inflated basketballs may have been the culprit.
Now 40, Verlander still looks strong this spring for Mets
March 23, 2023 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — It's a fair assumption that Father Time will catch up with Justin Verlander one of these days.
The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner is putting up quite a fight.
The 40-year-old Verlander signed with the New York Mets during the offseason and looks like he's got plenty of good pitching left.
Adam Wainwright headed to injured list with groin injury
March 23, 2023 GMTAdam Wainwright was in line for his seventh opening day start. Instead, the veteran St. Louis Cardinals right-hander will begin what’s slated to be his final season on the injured list with a groin injury.
Japan’s winning WBC team drops in on Prime Minister Kishida
March 23, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Prime Minister Fumio Kishida might have had his most enjoyable day in office on Thursday when Japan's winning World Baseball Classic team paid a visit.
Kishida was beaming when a gold medal from the winning team was placed around his neck, and he also received a large card in a frame containing each player's signature.
Wednesday’s Transactions
March 23, 2023 GMTBASEBALL:
World Baseball Classic keeps growing despite injury risks
March 23, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s strikeout of Mike Trout, Trea Turner’s go-ahead, eighth-inning grand slam against Venezuela, Japan’s walk-off semifinal win and Mexico’s comeback from a four-run deficit against Puerto Rico will be replayed over and over.
Roger Clemens will be an analyst for ESPN on opening day
March 22, 2023 GMTRoger Clemens will be an analyst for ESPN when the defending World Series champion Houston Astros host the Chicago White Sox on opening day.
Clemens made four appearances on last year's KayRod Cast with Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez.
Astros star Altuve has surgery on broken thumb, a WBC injury
March 22, 2023 GMTHouston Astros star Jose Altuve had surgery Wednesday on his broken right thumb, an injury that occurred in the World Baseball Classic and will significantly delay the second baseman's 2023 debut.
The Astros announced that the 32-year-old Altuve had the procedure done in Houston and will stay there to begin his rehabilitation, with only one week left in spring training.
Nadel to miss start of 29th season as lead on Rangers radio
March 22, 2023 GMTARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Hall of Fame broadcaster Eric Nadel said Wednesday he will miss the start of his 29th season as the lead voice on Texas Rangers radio broadcasts while getting treatment for some mental health issues.
After player input, MLB allows some pitch clock delays
March 22, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has clarified its new rules to allow umpires to delay the start of the pitch clock after big swings in which a hitter loses footing or when a pitcher covers first base, third or home, in addition to other clarifications announced Wednesday.
Ohtani fans Trout, Japan tops US 3-2 for WBC championship
March 22, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake.
Apple TV+ announces 2nd season of ‘Friday Night Baseball’
March 22, 2023 GMTCUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple TV+ will begin its second season of “Friday Night Baseball” on April 7. The Chicago Cubs will host the Texas Rangers in a day game, followed by the San Diego Padres facing the Atlanta Braves.
All-Stars of Team USA outmatched, outpitched in WBC final
March 22, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — As Trea Turner rounded the bases Tuesday night after hitting his fifth home run of the World Baseball Classic, the “M-V-P!” chants roared throughout loanDepot park.
Turner's tournament outing — tied for the most in a single WBC, with a grand slam — was a reminder of how just how stacked this United States team was.
Tuesday’s Transactions
March 22, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Phillies won’t put Harper on 60-day IL; Dbacks lose catcher
March 22, 2023 GMTThe Philadelphia Phillies are leaving open the possibility for Bryce Harper to return to their lineup much sooner than the All-Star break, but that doesn't necessarily mean a quicker-than-expected return for the slugger from reconstructive right elbow surgery.
Urías lined up to start Dodgers’ opener; Kershaw `excited’
March 22, 2023 GMTGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Julio Urías is lined up to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers on opening day — and that's just fine with teammate Clayton Kershaw.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts hasn't announced his scheduled starter for March 30 against Arizona.
MLB plans to announce rules tweaks, week before opening day
March 21, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Major League Baseball's new pitch clock is going to undergo some timing adjustments before it is turned on for games that count.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred called the changes “significant” but also described them as “clarifications” based on input from players.
WBC returns in March 2026, retaining spring training slot
March 21, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — The World Baseball Classic will return for its sixth edition in March 2026, with organizers concluding spring training remains a better time than after the World Series or in the middle of the major league season.
Mets launch Citi Field Cadillac Club, $25K for top seat
March 21, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The Mets have an elite car sponsor to go along with their record luxury tax payroll.
New York announced Tuesday it will open a membership only speakeasy behind Citi Field's right field fence this season called The Cadillac Club at Payson's, in honor of founding owner Joan Whitney Payson.
Ohtani ready to pitch vs Trout, USA in relief at WBC final
March 21, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — That matchup between Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in the World Baseball Classic may not happen.
Japan rallied in the ninth inning to beat Mexico and advance to Tuesday night’s championship game against the United States, but Shota Imanaga will start on the mound for the Samurai Warriors.
Arozarena hopes breakout WBC boosts baseball in Mexico
March 21, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Randy Arozarena dazzled with his bat, glove and style. It wasn't enough for Mexico but won countless fans for his adopted nation and himself.
Ohtani, Japan rally in 9th, edge Mexico 6-5, reach WBC final
March 21, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — When Shohei Ohtani reached second base after hitting a leadoff double in the bottom of the ninth inning, he immediately looked up at the crowd and waved his arms, in a rare sign of emotion, as if he knew what was coming next.
Monday’s Transactions
March 21, 2023 GMTBASEBALL Major League Baseball American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Optioned LHPs Nick Vespi and Bruce Zimmermann to minor league camp. Reassigned INF Lewin Diaz, LHP Darwinzon Hernandez and C Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.
Orioles option LHP Bruce Zimmermann to minors
March 20, 2023 GMTSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have optioned left-handers Bruce Zimmermann and Nick Vespi and reassigned infielder Lewin Díaz, left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez and catcher Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.
Braves make apparent SS decision; Díaz focusing on Reds role
March 20, 2023 GMTThe Atlanta Braves have apparently decided who will replace the departed Dansby Swanson as their starting shortstop. It's not who most people expected it to be.
Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake were optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
AP source: Magic Johnson joins Harris’ bid for Commanders
March 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Magic Johnson has joined Josh Harris’ bid to buy the NFL’s Washington Commanders, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
LSU coach: Skenes so hot, he could handle big-league batters
March 20, 2023 GMTPaul Skenes put up numbers impressive enough last season to earn Mountain West Conference co-pitcher of the year and some All-America honors.
So far this season, he's the most dominant pitcher in the country and doing it under the hot spotlight of LSU and the Southeastern Conference.
US routs Cuba 14-2 to reach World Baseball Classic final
March 20, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Trea Turner, Paul Goldschmidt and an unrelenting U.S. lineup kept putting crooked numbers on the scoreboard, a dynamic display of the huge gap between an American team of major leaguers and Cubans struggling on the world stage as top players have left the island nation.
Cuban baseball team draws ire, support in Little Havana
March 20, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Jose Vilela fled Cuba for the United States when he was 14 years old after spending six months in a concentration camp. Like many of his compatriots, he settled in Miami's Cuban neighborhood, Little Havana.
Arenado hit by pitch one night after Altuve breaks thumb
March 20, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Nolan Arenado left Team USA's 14-2 win over Cuba in the World Baseball Classic semifinals Sunday in the fifth inning after he was hit on the hand by a pitch.
AP source: Rockies sign Profar to shore up outfield
March 19, 2023 GMTThe Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $7.75 million, one-year contract with free agent outfielder Jurickson Profar, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Profar can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses, getting the full amount for 400 plate appearances, the person said.
Japan’s Sasaki likely to be coveted when available for MLB
March 19, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — If Rōki Sasaki knows the perfect time for him to switch to the major leagues, he's good at keeping a secret.
The 21-year-old right-hander pitches in a U.S. ballpark for the first time Monday night, when he'll start for Japan in a World Baseball Classic semifinal against Mexico.
Astros’ Jose Altuve has broken right thumb, needs surgery
March 19, 2023 GMTWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Houston Astros star Jose Altuve has a broken right thumb and needs surgery after getting hurt in Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States at the World Baseball Classic.
Pepper-grinder move unwelcome in Japan high school tourney
March 19, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Lars Nootbaar's imaginary pepper-grinder was the talk of World Baseball Classic games in Japan, but the fun-loving gesture by the St.
Turner’s grand slam lifts US over Venezuela, into WBC semis
March 19, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that lifted the United States over Venezuela 9-7 Saturday night and into the World Baseball Classic semifinals.
Astros’ Altuve leaves WBC game after hit on hand by a pitch
March 19, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Jose Altuve left Venezuela's 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States on Saturday night with a possible broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch in another injury setback at the World Baseball Classic.
Clark: Rules changes would be smoother with player input
March 18, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Union head Tony Clark claims Major League Baseball's rules changes would have gone more smoothly during spring training if player thoughts had been incorporated.
MLB implemented its first pitch clock, limited defensive shifts and pickoff attempts and installed larger bases as part of the biggest alteration in playing rules since the mound was lowered for the 1969 season.
Nick Martinez leaves Team USA at WBC, returns to Padres camp
March 18, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez left the World Baseball Classic on Saturday after he wasn't guaranteed to start for Team USA for the rest of the event.
United States manager Mark DeRosa said Martinez will return to Padres spring training to prepare for the start of the major league season.
Romo, 3-time World Series winner, to retire with Giants
March 18, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Sergio Romo will retire as a member of the San Francisco Giants after helping the franchise win three World Series titles.
The 2013 All-Star was an integral part of the team's bullpen from 2008 to 2016; the Giants won titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Urías leads Mexico 5-4 over Puerto Rico, into WBC semis
March 18, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Luis Urías hit the go-ahead single in a three-run seventh inning that fueled Mexico’s 5-4 comeback victory over Puerto Rico to advance to its first-ever World Baseball Classic semifinals.
Spring training’s loss is WBC’s gain as viewership jumps
March 17, 2023 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Many of Major League Baseball's biggest stars, like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, aren't playing in spring training. They're in the World Baseball Classic.
Some baseball fans, particularly New York Mets fans, aren't sure that's a good thing.
Brentz gets $1.9M deal with Royals, recovering from surgery
March 17, 2023 GMTSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Jake Brentz and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $1.9 million, two-year contract that keeps him with the team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The 28-year-old will get salaries of $850,000 this year and $1.05 million next year as part of the agreement that was announced Thursday.
Mets’ Díaz expected to miss season with torn patellar tendon
March 17, 2023 GMTPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz has a torn patellar tendon and is expected to miss the entire season after hurting his right knee while celebrating a victory in the World Baseball Classic.
MLB umpires will have a new view this season -- on Zoom
March 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Umpires will have a new view this season: on Zoom.
Major League Baseball struck a deal with Zoom Video Communications Inc. allowing on-field umpires to watch the replay operations center evaluating contested calls.
Conforto, Kluber, rookie Carroll off to good spring starts
March 16, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Michael Conforto's once-ailing shoulder appears healthy and the veteran slugger is back to mashing baseballs.
The Giants have eased the 30-year-old back on the field after he missed all of 2022 following right shoulder surgery.
Mets’ Díaz, Nats’ Cavalli expected to miss entire season
March 16, 2023 GMTThe start of the season can’t come soon enough for teams looking to keep their pitching staffs as healthy as possible.
A tough spring for pitchers continued Thursday with the announcements that New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz and Washington Nationals prospect Cade Cavalli were expected to miss the entire season.
MLB asks umpires for heightened sticky substance checks
March 16, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is heightening in-game inspections by umpires for banned grip aides, concerned that use of foreign substances by pitchers increased again as time passed from a crackdown begun in June 2021.
Nationals prospect Cade Cavalli needs Tommy John surgery
March 16, 2023 GMTWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Washington Nationals pitching prospect Cade Cavalli needs Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and will miss the 2023 season, general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday.
Mets’ Díaz hurts knee as Puerto Rico tops Dominicans in WBC
March 16, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz injured his right knee celebrating a win Wednesday night that advanced Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and eliminated the Dominican Republic.
Mets’ Edwin Díaz injured celebrating Puerto Rico’s WBC win
March 16, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — New York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed out by Edwin Díaz.
For now, they’re facing a potential nightmare.
In a startling scene, Díaz was taken off the field in a wheelchair after injuring his right knee celebrating Puerto Rico’s victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday night.
Mets’ Díaz latest on list of freak celebration injuries
March 16, 2023 GMTEdwin Díaz was jumping for joy with his Puerto Rico teammates.
Then Díaz crumbled to the turf, and the party came to a sudden stop.
Bucs’ Keller gets opening day nod -- and a bottle of bubbly
March 15, 2023 GMTPittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton handed Mitch Keller the opening day assignment — and a celebratory bottle of bubbly.
Shelton broke the news to the 26-year-old right-hander on Wednesday that he'll get the nod when Pittsburgh begins the season at Cincinnati on March 30.
Trevor Bauer signing met with little reaction in Japan
March 15, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — The signing of Trevor Bauer to a one-year contract by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars generated little reaction Wednesday in the Japanese media.
The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Jan.
Italian’s espresso machine a hit at World Baseball Classic
March 15, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Old-time baseball players would be appalled.
Italy's dugout at the World Baseball Classic comes outfitted with an espresso machine. And it's getting lots of attention.
“We are kind of shocked, actually, because this is something in Italian culture that’s sort of like water.
Venezuela tops Nicaragua 4-1 in WBC, is 3-0 in group play
March 15, 2023 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Eugenio Suárez and Anthony Santander had two hits each as Venezuela beat Nicaragua 4-1 on Tuesday and improved to 3-0 in the World Baseball Classic.
Venezuela clinched Group D and reached the quarterfinals when the Dominican Republic defeated Israel later in the day.
Bally Sports owner files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
March 15, 2023 GMTDiamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday. The move came after it missed a $140 million interest payment last month.
Ruiz $50M deal with Nats could be worth $76M over 10 years
March 15, 2023 GMTWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Catcher Keibert Ruiz gets a $3 million signing bonus as part of his $50 million, eight-year contract with the Washington Nationals, a deal that could be worth $76 million over 10 seasons if the team exercises a pair of options.
Carroll could earn $134M over 9 years with Diamondbacks deal
March 15, 2023 GMTSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Corbin Carroll would make $134 million over nine years if the Arizona Diamondbacks exercise a 2031 option in his $111 million, eight-year contract.
The deal for the 22-year-old outfielder, announced Saturday, is the largest guarantee for a player with less than 100 days of major league service.