MLB

AP Sports WriterRangers 3B Beltre says he'll play WBC for Dominican RepublicBy STEPHEN HAWKINSSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Third baseman Adrian Beltre has passed the test of playing some spring training games for the Texas Rangers and is ready to join the Dominican Republic for World Baseball Classic.Beltre played his...

Chapman may be cleared to start throwing SaturdayNEW YORK (AP) Injured All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman may be cleared by the New York Yankees to start a throwing program on Saturday.Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Chapman is scheduled to see a doctor Friday and the team hopes he will...

AP Sports WriterJones says racial taunts speak to wider racial issuesBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Orioles outfielder Adam Jones said Tuesday that racial taunts that prompted immediate condemnation around baseball and Boston have no place in today's game but speak to larger racial issues in the United States.''I thought...

AP Sports WriterPujols comes through in 11th as Angels beat Mariners 6-4By TIM BOOTHSEATTLE (AP) Albert Pujols moved his way up another of baseball's all-time lists, then showed he's still got the savvy to steal a base when needed and provide his team a little extra cushion.Pujols' RBI...

Associated PressMets suspend Harvey for violating team rules; Wilk to startBy CHARLES O'BRIENNEW YORK (AP) The New York Mets have scratched Matt Harvey for his scheduled start Sunday against the Miami Marlins and suspended the right-hander three days for a violation of team rules.Mets general manager Sandy Alderson...

AP Sports WriterTeams looking to boost lineup have options on trade marketBy ROB MAADDITeams looking to boost their offense have plenty of options on the trade market.Need a slugger? The NL East has a few.Need a catcher? A two-time All-Star could be on the move again.Veterans, role players, pinch-hitters...

Squirrel interrupts game between Twins and IndiansCLEVELAND (AP) The game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians was interrupted for several minutes when a squirrel ran on the field during the sixth inning.The squirrel raced in from right field and reached the area around the pitcher's mound, forcing...

LEADING OFF: Dodgers try for 11th straight win, Hamels backBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---CALIFORNIA CRUISIN'The Los Angeles Dodgers try for their 11th straight win, which would match the team's best string since 2006. Rich Hill pitches for the NL West leaders...

3 minor leaguers suspended for positive drug testsBy The Associated PressCincinnati pitcher Brian Hunter has been suspended for 80 games under baseball's minor league drug program following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance, and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Greg Belton and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ivan Vieitez...

Johnson, Renteria to manage in All-Star Future Game at MiamiNEW YORK (AP) Charles Johnson and Edgar Renteria, members of the Marlins' 1997 World Series championship team, will manage in the All-Star Futures Game on July 9 at Marlins Park.Johnson will lead the U.S. team and Renteria the world...

AP Sports WriterDodgers' Kershaw leaves start against Braves after 2 inningsBy BETH HARRISLOS ANGELES (AP) Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw left his start against the Atlanta Braves after two innings on Sunday.The All-Star left-hander was pitching to Tyler Flowers with two outs in the second when it appeared Kershaw...

AP Sports WriterJones says racial taunts speak to wider racial issuesBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Orioles outfielder Adam Jones said the racial taunts that prompted immediate condemnation around baseball and Boston have no place in the game but speak to larger racial issues in the United States.''I thought we'd...