MLB

4 new umps as Hirschbeck, Welke, Davidson, Joyce retireNEW YORK (AP) Jim Joyce has joined John Hirschbeck, Tim Welke and Bob Davidson in retiring from Major League Baseball's umpire staff.The commissioner's office said Tuesday that Adam Hamari, Pat Hoberg, Gabe Morales and Carlos Torres have been promoted to...

AP Sports WriterOrioles to feature a familiar cast of characters in 2017By DAVID GINSBURGBALTIMORE (AP) Quite by design, there were plenty of familiar faces on stage Saturday at the Baltimore Orioles' annual offseason event for their fans.The Orioles haven't changed much since the end of the 2016 season,...

Associated PressJeff Bagwell aiding Yuli Gurriel's transition to firstBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Yuli Gurriel has a special guest instructor this week to help him get more familiar with playing first base: newly elected Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell.''It's an honor to work with him,'' Gurriel...

Rockies, Alexi Amarista agree to 1-year dealDENVER (AP) The Colorado Rockies have agreed to a one-year deal with utility player Alexi Amarista.Amarista hit .257 with 11 RBIs and nine stolen bases last season for the San Diego Padres. He played all over the field, too, seeing time at...

Associated PressAddison Russell returns to Cubs following MLB inquiryBy JOHN JACKSONCHICAGO (AP) Addison Russell returned to the Chicago Cubs on Friday, one day after Major League Baseball began an investigation of the shortstop.He had been accused of hitting his wife in a social media post that has since...

Kazmir leaves in 2nd inning due to tightness in sideSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Kazmir left Monday's game against Colorado after his first pitch of the second inning due to tightness on his left side.The 33-year-old left-hander said he was tight in his hip, side...

Twins recall Ryan Pressly in latest move for struggling penMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins have recalled right-hander Ryan Pressly from Triple-A Rochester, the latest change in their chewed-up bullpen.Pressly was promoted before Tuesday night's game against Seattle to take the place of right-hander Alex Wimmers, who was sent...

Associated PressTim Tebow gets 1st hit for Mets, singles vs MarlinsBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Tim Tebow has gotten his first hit for the New York Mets.The former NFL quarterback singled Monday in an exhibition game against Miami Marlins left-hander Kyle Lobstein.Tebow was hitless in his...

Associated PressJose Abreu leaves White Sox game vs. Royals with hip injuryBy MATT SCHOCHCHICAGO (AP) Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu has left Wednesday's game against the Royals with a mild right hip flexor strain.Abreu was injured as he went to his right for a Cheslor Cuthbert...

AP Legal Affairs WriterProsecutors: Florida men smuggled Cuban players to get richBy CURT ANDERSONMIAMI (AP) Federal prosecutors have told jurors that a Florida sports agent and a baseball trainer orchestrated an illegal smuggling ring to get rich by bringing Cuban ballplayers to the Major Leagues.Defense lawyers for agent...

Pirates rookie Ngoepe 1st African player to reach majorsPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up infielder Gift Ngoepe, making him what they say is the first player from Africa to reach the major leagues.The Pirates recalled Ngoepe (n-GOH'-pay) from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday and sent reliever Dovydos...

Chicago throwing World Series party on hold for 71 yearsCHICAGO (AP) After waiting 71 years to witness a World Series game, Chicago Cubs fans can hardly contain themselves.More than six hours before the first pitch of Game 3, thousands of fans - many of them wearing jerseys with...