MLB

AP Sports WriterIndians manager Francona says team's name change "correct"By TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Manager Terry Francona praised the Cleveland Indians for trying to ''do the right thing'' with a name change that was inevitable - and necessary.On Friday, Francona complimented the team's decision to drop its name after...

White Sox-Angels open ESPN Sunday night slate on April 4By The Associated PressESPN will open its ''Sunday Night Baseball'' schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox.The game will feature the last two American League MVPs, with the Angels' Mike Trout facing reigning...

White Sox-Angels open ESPN Sunday night slate on April 4By The Associated PressESPN will open its ''Sunday Night Baseball'' schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox.The game will feature the last two American League MVPs, with the Angels' Mike Trout facing reigning...

Rays sign pitcher Michael Wacha to $3 million, 1-year dealST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a $3 million, one-year contract on Friday to fill a void in the rotation with the departure of Charlie Morton.The 29-year old Wacha...

Correction: Red Sox-Cora storyBOSTON (AP) In a story on Dec. 17, 2020, about the Boston Red Sox, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Andrew Benintendi was the 2017 AL rookie of the year. He was the runner-up.

Rays sign pitcher Michael Wacha to $3 million, 1-year dealST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a $3 million, one-year contract on Friday to fill a void in the rotation with the departure of Charlie Morton.The 29-year old Wacha...

White Sox-Angels open ESPN Sunday night slate on April 4By The Associated PressESPN will open its ''Sunday Night Baseball'' schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox.The game will feature the last two American League MVPs, with the Angels' Mike Trout facing reigning...

Jays' Montoyo says free agents asking about Toronto statusTORONTO (AP) Each time Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo has made a pitch to free agents this offseason, there's one topic he's known will come up.''The number one question is if we're going to play in Toronto,'' Montoyo said Friday....

Braves bring back largely same coaching staff for 2021ATLANTA (AP) The three-time NL East champion Atlanta Braves will bring back largely the same coaching staff in 2021.Manager Brian Snitker will again be assisted by bench coach Walt Weiss (fourth season with the Braves), hitting coach Kevin Seitzer (seventh...

AP Sports WriterAngels' Maddon: Adell likely to minors, can still be starBy DAVID BRANDTAngels manager Joe Maddon won't be surprised if Jo Adell starts the upcoming season in the minors after a rough 38-game introduction to the big leagues in 2020.He also won't be surprised if the 21-year-old still...

Chris Flexen, Mariners agree to $4.75M, 2-year contractSEATTLE (AP) Right-hander Chris Flexen and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $4.75 million, two-year contract on Friday.The 26-year-old gets a $600,000 signing bonus, a $1.4 million salary next season and a $2.75 million salary in 2021. The deal includes an...

AP Sports WriterCora hopes Martinez, Rodríguez, Benintendi can bounce backBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) Alex Cora is expecting to see the J.D. Martinez of old again in 2021.And the Red Sox manager wouldn't be surprised if Andrew Benintendi and Eduardo Rodriguez bounce back with him.In a call with reporters...