MLB

Dodgers' Kershaw to start opening day for 9th timeGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Clayton Kershaw will start the Los Angeles Dodgers' opener against the visiting San Francisco Giants on March 26.Manager Dave Roberts announced the decision on Monday.Kershaw will extend his franchise record for opening day starts to nine. His...

Associated PressPhillies ace Nola missed scheduled start due to the fluBy MARK DIDTLERCLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola was scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the New York Yankees due to the flu.Phillies manager Joe Girardi said with an off day Wednesday, Nola may rejoin...

Associated PressHilliard looks to build after last-season push for RockiesBy JACK MAGRUDERSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Colorado's Sam Hilliard homered on the day of his promotion to the major leagues in late August. By the end of the season he had seven homers, including one apiece off NL All-Stars Hyun-Jin...

Associated PressVerlander has lat strain, unlikely to be ready for openerBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Houston ace Justin Verlander has a mild strain of a back muscle and said it would “probably take a miracle” for him to pitch in the Astros' opener at Oakland on...

Associated PressWith athletic family all around, DeShields fits into IndiansBy THERESA SMITHGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Dad, the elder Delino DeShields, is working less than 100 yards away, behind a fence dividing Cleveland's training complex from the Cincinnati Reds facility. Sister Diamond DeShields is just a phone call away.Together, they...

Rangers' Calhoun hit in mouth by fastball, taken to hospitalSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Texas Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun was hit in the mouth by a fastball Sunday and taken to a hospital.The left-handed hitting Calhoun crumbled after being struck in the jaw by a fastball from Los Angeles Dodgers...

Associated PressBetter plate discipline could move up Robles in Nats' orderBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Given a chance to play last season, Victor Robles swung right into action for the Washington Nationals.Now they'd like him to swing a little less.The 22-year-old Robles gave the Nationals a...

Rangers' Calhoun hit in mouth by fastball, taken to hospitalSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Texas Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun was hit in the mouth by a fastball Sunday and taken to a hospital.The left-handed hitting Calhoun crumbled after being struck in the jaw by a fastball from Los Angeles Dodgers...

Associated PressAstros ace Verlander pulled early with triceps sorenessBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander felt soreness in his triceps and made an early exit from an exhibition start Sunday, and the AL Cy Young Award winner was headed for more tests.Verlander was...

Associated PressYankees C Gary Sanchez says sore back improvingBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla (AP) New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez said his sore back is improving, but he's still out of the lineup.Sanchez didn't take batting practice Saturday or Sunday. He isn't on the travel roster for Monday's road...

Associated PressOrioles claim RHP Hector Velazquez on waivers from Red SoxBy RICH DUBROFFSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) The Baltimore Orioles claimed right-handed pitcher Hector Velazquez on waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.The 31-year-old was 11-7 with a 3.90 ERA in 89 games in the last three seasons with...

MLB CalendarBy Associated PressMarch 26 - Opening day, active rosters reduced to 26 players.April 18-19 - San Diego vs. Arizona at Mexico City.April 28-30 - New York Mets vs. Miami at San Juan, Puerto Rico.June 3-4 - Owners meeting, New York.June 10-12 - Amateur draft, Omaha, Neb.June 15 -...