MLB

Giants Bumgarner hit in hand, leaves spring training startSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner exited his spring training start in the third inning Friday after taking a line drive off his pitching hand.The comebacker was hit by Kansas City's Whit Merrifield. The Giants had no immediate updates...

Homer Bailey will start Reds' season opener vs NationalsGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Homer Bailey will make his first opening day start for the Cincinnati Reds, a breakthrough after years of setbacks with his elbow.Manager Bryan Price announced that Bailey will start Thursday at home against Washington.Anthony DeSclafani was in...

Dylan Bundy to start Baltimore Orioles' openerSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Dylan Bundy has been picked to start the Baltimore Orioles' opener against Minnesota on March 29.The 24-year-old right-hander led the Orioles in wins last season, when he was 13-9 with a 4.24 ERA.Bundy beat out Kevin Gausman, who started...

5 ejected in Tigers-Phillies game as 3 batters hitCLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Three pitchers were ejected along with Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler and bench coach Rob Thomson as three batters were hit by pitches during the Phillies' 6-2 exhibition loss to Detroit on Thursday.Detroit starter Matthew Boyd and Philadelphia...

AP Baseball WriterBaseball players in minors to lose minimum wage protectionBy RONALD BLUMMinor league baseball players who make as little as $5,500 a season would be stripped of the protection of federal minimum wage laws under a provision in government spending legislation expected to be approved by Congress this...

Outfielder Rajai Davis makes Indians' opening-day rosterBy The Associated PressGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Rajai Davis made it all the way back with the Cleveland Indians. Mike Napoli remains on the outside.Davis, who hit perhaps the most memorable home run in club history during the 2016 World Series, was told...

Associated PressDetermined Donaldson looks to lead Blue Jays back to OctoberBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) Josh Donaldson expects to join a free agent class that could also include fellow sluggers Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.First, the third baseman hopes to lead Toronto to the playoffs for the third time...

AP Sports WriterPirates enter 2018 with retooled roster, modest expectationsBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Depending on the person asked in the clubhouse, the Pittsburgh Pirates are rebuilding. Or they're not. They're retooling. Or they're not. They're pointing toward 2019 and beyond. Or they're focused on the here and now.The...

Associated PressArrieta allows 2 runs in 1st start with PhilliesBy MARK DIDTLERCLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Eight days before opening day, Jake Arrieta made his first appearance for the Philadelphia Phillies.''I had a ton of nervous energy,'' Arrieta said Thursday after allowing two runs that included Miguel Cabrera's solo homer...

AP Baseball WriterWith rookie manager, Mets ready to roll out prized pitchersBy MIKE FITZPATRICKNEW YORK (AP) From the start of spring training in Florida, their lockers were lined up all in a row at one end of the rectangular clubhouse.Left to right: Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom,...

Cardinals' Wong running during spring trainingJUPITER, Fla. (AP) Kolten Wong has six steals during in spring training - two shy of his total during the 2017 season.''I figure if I can get into that rhythm now. I won't be able to lose it too fast when the season...

Associated PressJudge average up to .278 after pair of homers vs OriolesBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Aaron Judge's spring training average is up to .278 after he homered twice in a 9-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles.Judge was brought along slowly at the start of spring training following...