MLB

After manager challenges, umpire changes call without replayST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Nolan Fontana was called safe and then out on the same play by the same umpire - without a replay review.Welcome to the majors, kid. Nothing is certain.Making his major league debut for the Los Angeles Angels,...

Associated PressSusac, Pina, Bandy compete for Brewers' catching jobBy JOSE M. ROMEROGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Andrew Susac, Manny Pina and Jett Bandy competing to become the Milwaukee Brewers' starting catcher, with one behind the plate and at designated hitter most days during spring training.''I think they've all done a...

Umpire Dale Scott leaves game after being struck in maskTORONTO (AP) Home plate umpire Dale Scott left the field on a spinal board in the eighth inning of Friday night's game between the Orioles and Blue Jays after being hit in the face mask by a foul tip...

Cubs slugger Schwarber returns, will bat fifth in Game 1CLEVELAND (AP) Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber's rehab finished just in time for the World Series.Schwarber will bat fifth and be the designated hitter for the National League champions in Game 1 on Tuesday night against Cleveland's Corey Kluber....

Associated PressRed Sox newcomer Chris Sale goes 2 innings in spring debutBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Chris Sale gave himself mixed reviews after his first spring training performance for the Boston Red Sox, an outing that ended a little earlier than originally planned.Boston manager John Farrell...

Associated PressMr Met gives fan the finger, employee out as team mascotBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Even Mr. Met is frustrated with the team's disappointing start.New York's funny-looking mascot flashed his ''middle'' finger at a fan during Wednesday night's 7-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, and the team...

Rod Carew passes 1-month mark since heart transplantLOS ANGELES (AP) Baseball Hall of Famer Rod Carew has passed the one-month mark since a heart and kidney transplant with no signs of rejection.Carew tells the American Heart Association News he's ''doing great'' since the 13-hour operation on Dec. 16....

Rangers put 1B Mike Napoli on DL with lower back strainARLINGTON, Texas (AP) The Texas Rangers have put first baseman Mike Napoli on the 10-day disabled list because of a lower back strain.Texas made the move Tuesday before its game against the New York Mets. Left-hander Dario Alvarez...

Associated PressPirates rookie Ngoepe 1st African player to reach majorsBy JOHN PERROTTOPITTSBURGH (AP) Gift Ngoepe was aware of the significance of the moment when he put on his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform for the first time in the regular season.The Pirates recalled the infielder from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday,...

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...