MLB

Associated PressWith season in doubt, Japan's baseball taps virus expertsBy YURI KAGEYAMATOKYO (AP) The opening of the Japanese baseball season is in doubt because of the outbreak of the new virus, officials said Monday, as the nation's baseball and soccer leagues tapped three medical experts as advisers.Baseball commissioner...

Chipper Jones joins ESPN lineup as game analystBRISTOL, Conn. (AP) Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones has joined the ESPN lineup.The former Atlanta Braves star will work as a major league analyst, primarily on weeknight and holiday games. He'll debut on opening day when San Francisco plays...

Associated PressAstros' McCullers pitches for 1st time since '18, fans GoldyBy BY CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Lance McCullers spun a curveball that Paul Goldschmidt swung over for strike three, then looked toward the Houston dugout.That was enough on this day.So McCullers smiled, bounced the ball in...

Associated PressMets' deGrom nearly perfect over 3 IP in first spring startBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom took on two nemeses in his first outing of spring training - a bout of nerves, and the Washington Nationals.The two-time reigning NL Cy...

Yankees star Judge to have more tests on shoulder MondayLAKELAND, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees star Aaron Judge is scheduled to have additional tests Monday as the team tries to pinpoint the cause of soreness in his right shoulder.Judge underwent an MRI Saturday, which was negative.The right fielder has...

Markakis leads by example with NL East champion BravesFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) As he searched for the best things Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis brings to the team, bench coach Walt Weiss shared several.Highly credible. Strong, quiet leader. One of the most respected players in baseball. Humble. Calming force.But...

Associated PressRed Sox lefty Sale faces hitters for 1st time since AugustBy MAUREEN MULLENFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) It was just a batting practice session, one of the lowest spring training rungs in a pitcher's preparation for opening day. But for Chris Sale, it was progress.Even after finishing with a...

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 -...

Associated PressNats' Corbin smooth in spring debut, goes 2 innings vs CardsBy BY CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) Patrick Corbin's longer-than-normal wait for his first spring start left him more refreshed that rusty.The Washington Nationals lefty made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday, allowing one run to St. Louis...

Associated PressYanks star Judge getting more tests of ailing right shoulderBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has undergone an MRI and further tests as the team tries to determine the cause of his ailing right shoulder.Manager Aaron Boone said Judge ''was not right''...

Associated PressYanks star Judge getting more tests of ailing right shoulderBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees star Aaron Judge has undergone an MRI and further tests as the team tries to determine the cause of his ailing right shoulder.Manager Aaron Boone said Judge ''was not right''...

Associated PressLed by Harvey, Orioles hope for better bullpen in 2020By RICH DUBROFFSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) In the forgettable 2019 season, the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen had a woeful 5.79 ERA, the worst in the major leagues. That was a far cry from the team's successful run years ago, when...