MLB

AP Sports WriterFrancona on Encarnacion: I didn't think there was a chanceBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) When Edwin Encarnacion became a free agent this offseason, Indians manager Terry Francona didn't allow himself to daydream about adding the former Blue Jays slugger to his roster.''I didn't think there was a...

AP Sports WriterRoyals, Duffy agree to $65M, 5-year contractBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Royals and Danny Duffy have agreed to a $65 million, five-year contract that will keep the popular left-hander in Kansas City.Duffy will make $5 million this year, $14 million in 2018, $15.25 million...

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...

AP Sports WriterDodgers and Kershaw dismissed short of World Series againBy BETH HARRISLOS ANGELES (AP) A rested Clayton Kershaw couldn't save the Los Angeles Dodgers' season one more time, leaving them a long winter to think about falling short of the World Series again.The Dodgers blew a 2-1...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Phillies, Saunders agree to $9M, 1-year dealBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) Outfielder Michael Saunders and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed on a $9 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday because...

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....

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...